From the General Presbyter

Last week, I did what I always do, and asked myself, “What am I going to do for Lent?” Am I going to give up something, pray more, read a devotional, what? And every year, I look around for inspiration or hope that something will drop in my lap, and I will have it figured out by Shrove Tuesday.

Alas, my Lenten path came through my yoga teacher who announced to the class that every day, she tries to live from “her higher self.”

What does a “higher self” look like? Perhaps it looks like Colossians 3:12-13:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

There are some days I feel like this” higher self” thing is a herculean task! Perhaps it is much simpler; just try to be a good person, love God and yourself and try not to annoy anyone. (Serendipitously, Jennifer Barchi led a staff meeting devotion with a similar theme in mind.) Further, the media, the world, the church and all the stresses can create angst in even the most peaceful of folk. But I am committed, and I invite you to be as well. It is only for forty days…but who knows? It might stick!

Friends in Christ, I offer a second scripture from Philippians 4:13: ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (NKJV). We don’t have to do this alone.

And so, I pose the following questions for reflection: What does your higher self-look like? How can you rely on God’s strength at home, work, and church? How will you know you are on the right path?

Happy Lent!

– Jackie