Pastor’s Column
“I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love—strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection.”
These words are part of the Ash Wednesday service, and I think they sum up how we are being called during this time of Lent. Lutherans haven’t always focused on this aspect of Lent, but I find great meaning in this practice of intentional sacrifice and prayer and the ways in which we can feel closer to God through this season. Though Jesus cautions us in the Gospel of Matthew not to be demonstrative with our piety and prayers, I do wish to share with you all what my practice will be and why, in the hopes that you all might find some encouragement in your own Lenten journeys.
This year, after much reflection, I have decided that my focus would be a fast on complaining. Between the unrest in the world, the uncertainty with our neighbors who are in need of food, shelter, and resources, and the frenetic pace of our days and lives, I have found that I complain about things entirely too much. When people cut me off in traffic. When technology isn’t cooperating. When red tape seems too thick to cut with a chainsaw (particularly at banks!)
Now, we do know that we can feel some relief when we vent our frustrations to a good listener – and this is a good thing – as long as we remember to close that vent when we are done. Because it can be all too easy to keep that vent open, and to constantly allow our frustrations to be voiced in the form of complaints and frustrations. When complaining becomes a regular habit, we can just become downright miserable. We can forget to find joy. We can forget to express thanks to God for our many blessings. We can even forget how to recognize some of those blessings.
For me, it is important to practice the pause, think before I speak, and decide if what I am about to complain about is really necessary. Is this thing really so bad? Do others have it much worse? Is it something that my complaining will help? So I will endeavor to pause when I’m about to complain, think critically if my complaint will be helpful, pray for discernment if there is something I can actually do to help remedy the situation, and find something to voice my gratitude about.
Lord, bless us throughout these forty days, in all the ways in which we will dedicate ourselves to turning our hearts to God and to God’s ways, and away from all the things in the world that try to drive a wedge between ourselves and God. Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word. Amen.
Pastor Sam