Here we are again. Another Lent. Another wilderness wandering. Another start to reflecting on the world via my very sporadic writings. It seems Lent has been the time I feel most compelled to write. Perhaps because of the introspective nature of the season. Maybe it’s just the experience of taking the United Methodist Photo-A-Day challenge and turning it into a post. All I know is here we are again and here I go again.
Day 13: Repent
Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, (Acts 3:19)
Central to the season of Lent is an honest assessment of our sin – the ways in which we have “missed the mark,” failed to love, and chosen to live separate from God, ourselves and others.
It is easy to allow such reflection to lead to guilt or shame, both of which often draw us into further isolation and disconnection. Some may have even thought or been told something you have done is unforgivable, the equivalent of a “no u-turns allowed.” This is the opposite of the close, personal and communal relationship God invites us to share.
The truth I cling to today and which I hope you know as well, is we can always turn around. This is the meaning of repentance, to turn back, to return to, to change direction and head back toward God.
Follow the traffic sign when you see it posted, just don’t fall for the lie that it applies to what you have done or left undone. There is always a way back to God.
Life is better together,
Shawn
Big Rubber Band Ball 