Message from Pastor Karyn for March 2020
There have been few moments of quiet in my life of late. Time for reflection is squeezed into the drive home or at the end of the day before I fall asleep. In the normal course of things, this time between Christmas and Lent lends itself well for deeper reflection and intention setting, but alas, that was not the case for 2020. As a result, I find myself craving, needing, time to be still and to wonder and remember and grow. Which has me reaching for the book we read last Lent, Holy Solitude: Lenten Reflections with Saints, Hermits, Prophets and Rebels by Rev. Heidi Havercamp. Holy solitude is exactly what my spirit is clamoring for and what better time (other than the “quiet” season after Epiphany) to carve out time for this than Lent?
“This Lent carve out time for your soul to rest and reflect”
Lent will find many in our congregation talking about the book Waking Up White by Debby Irving. As we join others in our community to read this important book, we are going to feel uncomfortable, sad, angry, frustrated and so much more. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to feel any of those things most days, but I do know that those are the feelings that move me to change, if I can be curious about what is behind them. But that curiosity can only come if I allow myself the time and space to think, to reflect, to be still and in the moments, hear the voice of the Spirit reminding me that I am imperfect, but I am enough.
Which brings me back to my friend Heidi and her book. As much as I love the stories she shares about the faithful who have gone before me, I have found deep value in her suggestions for carving out time to practice the disciplines of Lent. As we are a week away from Ash Wednesday, she encourages us to plan our Lent, to look at our calendars, to prepare our space, our minds and our bodies, all undergirded with prayer. I encourage you to reach for her book and use it hand in hand with Debby’s, allow the words of these sisters in faith to stir your hearts and souls and provide rest when the way gets weary.
I hope you join me this Lent in carving out time for your soul to rest and reflect as we seek to grow in our understanding of ourselves, our God and our neighbor. My door is always open if you need a space to talk through what is being revealed to you. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for a small group so that you remember you do not journey alone. Blessings, dear ones, as you walk through Lent toward the great Easter feast. May we all be filled with the spirit of love and courage and curiosity that is freely ours.
