As Lent approaches, I often feel torn between ramping up our opportunities at church and embracing the quiet of this season. In the weeks leading up to Lent, I’ve had a stack of books on my desk — any of which could potentially be our Lenten study.
Over the years I have approached Lent in different ways, sometimes I gave things up, some times I have taken things on, sometimes I just try to make it through. I did not grow up in the church, but heard my Catholic friends talk about giving something up for Lent. Once I was involved in the life of the church, I learned that Presbyterians could do this too, as it is a season of fasting. Early in my faith life I gave up a series of things, some more outlandish than others — like the time I tried to give up worrying. (Spoiler alert: I failed.) I gave up shopping for things other than food one Lent. (This was not a terrible practice, but you may want to make sure you are stocked up on deodorant before you start.)
As my faith grew, I began to focus differently on Lenten practices. There was one in particular that caused a change in my life overall. Challenged by a friend, I took on a vegetarian diet for Lent. It was challenging at times, and I was looking forward to some Easter ham. It turns out that after 40 days of not eating meat, one’s body does not adjust quickly to consuming it again. I ended up maintaining a vegetarian diet for several years. While I started eating meat again years later, I still do not consume nearly as much. That Lenten practice changed my relationship with creation and food.
Last year I tried to pray the hours during Lent, a practice of praying with Scripture, song and prayers at appointed times through out the day. It turns out I was good at praying all the hours before dinnertime. The evening left me often forgetting my practice.
This year I am on a journey of lowering the impossible expectations I set for myself. As Lent approaches I am focused on daily time of centering prayer. It may look different every day, but I hope to take a few moments to slow down, breathe and remember who I am and whose I am.
This Lent, I hope that you will find spaciousness in God and a deep connection to the divine. That you will find moments of stillness and refreshment amid the deep emotions of the season. I pray that you will also have grace for yourself and others. Blessings on your journey this Lent!
REBECCA GRESHAM-KESNER is pastor at Faith Presbyterian Church in Medford, New Jersey. Outside of church and family life, you can find her in nature, finding fun ways to be creative or asking awkwardly deep questions of people she just met.
