As we continue our time of Lent, the question becomes, how are we preparing ourselves for the Easter time that is coming? Lent is a period of 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (not counting the six Sundays). We take time to get quiet, to listen, to think about ways we are growing and ways we still need to grow. Sometimes we decide to change something about ourselves that helps us grow the direction we need to grow. We might give up something, like eating rich or unhealthy foods, or doing things that seem to waste time or are detrimental to our lives. Sometimes we practice new things, like exercise, or reading books that are good for us, or practicing meditation or prayer, or keeping a journal. It is never too late to join in the preparation or commit to a new practice.
This year, as a way of growing during the season of Lent, we as a church are looking at our conversations. How do we converse with one another and people in the community around us? Are we building connections and supporting one another, or are we being divisive and tearing each other down? Perhaps, it is somewhere in between? In our Lenten study book “The Six Conversations,” Dr. Heather Holleman helps us look at the attitudes we bring into conversations, the goals of our conversations, and how we can practice being better conversation partners.
The reason these skills are so important is that our conversations help build our connections with one another. Connections build relationships, and relationships are our opportunities to express God’s love for each person, inviting them into more connection and life-giving relationships.
Easter is coming. Easter is all about celebrating the renewal of life in the resurrection of Jesus. If we work on our connections with one another and with the larger community, strengthening them and expanding them now through conversations, we will have that many more opportunities to celebrate and rejoice together come Easter time.
So join me in these 40 days of Lent, or whatever is left of them as you read this. Join me in taking a look at our daily conversations. Let’s build connections in these conversations that will ultimately give us a chance to invite everyone we know to celebrate God’s love together!
Blessings and Peace,
Katherine