On Wednesday Pastor Z told us that in the early church Lent was associated with spring. And in fact, the early English word lent meant "spring." So it can easily be looked at as the start of the spring season. And in spring we delve into some intense cleaning as we move long idle furniture and clean out overstuffed closets. Well, one of the stations set up for reflection this week was a room with a basin of water. There you read Psalm 51:10-12, which states:
"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Then, as you washed your hands in the basin, you were to reflect on the idea that Lent is a season of "spring cleaning" for your spirit. Are there any closeted resentments you may be storing in your heart? Do any of the dishes in your sink harbor residues of negative behaviors? Has dust settled on any idle talents? Have any of your spiritual gifts become buried and moth-eaten with doubt or worry?
These questions definitely stepped on my toes a little, as my behavioral residues usually come in quietly, in the form of longings or cravings that seem harmless, but lead to occasional lust or bitterness or self-reliance. And how often have I desired something but then doubt creeps up and tells me how unlikely it is to happen and how unworthy I am anyway... So then I turn to what is comfortable and controllable instead of the truth, instead of believing in His love that makes me worthy, instead of having faith in my God who can and does do the impossible! What would my heart's home look like if I truly allowed Him to gut it, clean every crevice, and dwell there?!
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