Preparation – Day 47

We approach the season of Lent tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.  As I mentioned yesterday in the devotional thoughts, it is an opportunity for us to dig deep within ourselves and see where we are not following God as we should.  It is the time to really check ourselves in an honest and raw way.  It can be hard to do this.  We don’t often want to see where we are falling short.  We don’t want to change anything.  This all can be difficult and challenging.  But this is how we grow.

What if we approach this time with gratefulness?  We get this privileged time to spend moments with God to help us become more like him.  We can not only receive redirection but also be surrounded and wrapped in his love.  Part of our discovery is grace.  Knowing we aren’t perfect but also knowing we can always improve.  This is a special time which we can be grateful and welcome this in. 

We should enter this season with an open heart and a grateful attitude.  This is where we begin to change.  This is where we begin to humble ourselves to listen.  This is where we find God at work in and through us.  But it doesn’t happen if we don’t seek God.  This doesn’t happen if we don’t seek redirection.  This also doesn’t happen if we aren’t willing to change.  In the end, if we are willing, we will find new opportunities to become joyful, loving followers.  

Are you grateful for this season approaching?  How might we humble ourselves to prepare our hearts and minds for what God has in store?  If we do, we may leave this Lenten Season forever changed.