Ash Wednesday is here - ready or not! I’ve chosen my dining table as the place for my daily Lenten time, so the table was decluttered and washed and a purple beeswax candle was retrieved from the box and placed in the holder next to a favorite icon. Devotionals were placed next to the candle, including a new one that has me very excited - We are Beloved: A Lenten Journey with Protestant Prayer Beads by Kristen Vincent. And, of course, my prayer beads were placed by the new book. All is found and in its Lenten place.
Everything feels better after decluttering.
Lent is meant to be a decluttering time. So much seeps into our busy lives - so much mental and emotional - and physical! - clutter. Yikes. When I moved here over a year ago I specifically chose a small house in order to force myself to simplify and declutter. Suffice it to say that this is still a work in progress - but progress is being made! I hope this season will bring progress in other areas of my life that are over-complicated and cluttered...
...simplifying commitments that lay claim to time, so my time expenditures mirror my values
...letting go of so much that I carry in my head and heart to make more room for God and the
love that God brings into our lives.
...releasing behavior patterns that are not consistent with my beliefs and values, and that
ultimately cause me pain and create barriers between love and my heart.
A KonMari Lent - a time to declutter and simplify. A decluttered life means more space for God and more resources for service. What a gift!
I am so thankful for the collective wisdom that, century after century, led the Church to set aside this sacred time. I am so thankful to my beloved congregation who walks this journey with me. I sat tonight in our Ash Wednesday service and felt completely awash in love and care for this congregation. God has given me so much more here than I ever expected. It feels a bit like receiving a beautifully wrapped present that, just through its beauty is more than enough - only to find that the gift inside is more marvelous than imagined - and is also your heart’s desire. And it doesn’t need a return gift receipt!
And I am so thankful to God, who, year after year, draws us more fully into the realm of love.
I write tonight by the light of my Lenten candle. As the snow falls outside, I feel at peace. All is well. What a wonderful way to begin my KonMari Lent!
I invite you to think about how you will use and explore this gift that is Lent - what intention do you bring to this season?
With love and traveling mercies,
Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment