We are once again racing towards Ash Wednesday and Lent, and as always this time of year, I have been contemplating what I should ponder during this season. For many years, I have posted on this blog my thoughts during the Lenten season, in the hopes that by sharing my thoughts, I will support and encourage others in their Lenten journey to the cross. Last year I focused on my own private thoughts, but I decided this year I would once again share my thoughts with my friends who are interested. (Thank you to all who asked me about my Grace Notes last year and indicated they missed sharing my Lenten progress. It is always encouraging to know that your words are appreciated.)
After giving it quite a bit of thought over the last month or so, I plan to delve into the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I think everyone has one or two that are particularly challenging for them (as it says in verse 17, "What the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh.") I am fairly sure it will surprise no one who knows me well to hear that, although normally very reserved, self-control of my sarcastic mouth is certainly one of my biggest challenges. But I want to go beyond my own personal challenges and delve more deeply into all the fruits, greater knowledge of which will strengthen and deepen my determination to follow the path that Jesus ordained for us all. They were not in any particular order - they are all important - and I know that I can improve in every single area.
It is always a big task to decide how to present my thoughts, but the first one will be posted (planned, anyway!) on Ash Wednesday, February 26. If you are interested, feel free to join my Lenten journey this year. I hope to learn a lot about how the Holy Spirit works in my life, and I am happy to have company as I travel through this!
As it says in verse 25, "... let us also be guided by the Spirit." That is my watchword, not only for this Lenten season, but for my life.
No comments:
Post a Comment