finding pleasure in lent . . . it's a god thing!

if lent is supposed to be a solemn, reflective time, i'm failing miserably -- or, perhaps, happily!  for i am finding pleasure in lent, and i think that's a god thing!

i really have been taking this season seriously.  i prayerfully reflected before this season began upon the things i needed to be concentrating upon; i listened to see if these were in line with the spiritual path i was to walk; i sensed god saying, 'yes'.  so, i put this plan into action and set my goals.

one goal was to continue, well . . . walking!  a spiritual discipline is good self-care.  the goal placed upon me was 5,000 heartmiles, plus an additional 3,000 heartmiles that would benefit the care for those at risk of malaria.  even with my pedometer acting up, i was able to complete both of these goals this past week.  and, not only that!  i discovered that i am moving away from being so concerned about my pedometer acting up and more focused on maintaining my care of self and soul.

have you ever found that working toward a goal caused you to begin looking at the bigger picture?  how awesome to know that my walking can be a benefit for someone else!  who knew?!  that could only be a god thing, don't you think?

as a marriage and family therapist, i am required to complete 36 hours of continuing education during a two year cycle.  these hours also count toward the requirement i has as a pastor to complete 80 hours in four years.  that was my second goal during lent; to complete the 36 hours i needed for my september renewal.  i completed those hours this week-end!

i am committed to being a life-long learner; how about you?  is there a way you can continue to learn...subscribe to a magazine that has nothing to do with the field you are invested in, or read a book on a subject that will benefit you when you say, 'hum, i didn't know that!'  keeping our minds active and engaged in the world allows us to be attentive to the needs of others; a very 'god thing'.

as a 'reward' for completing these two things, i spent my day off yesterday doing yard-work.  now, before you say that doesn't sound like a lenten spiritual practice, let me explain how this particular event came to be.  in the realm of 'united methodist clergy', this is the time of year when our bishop makes decisions about where united methodist clergy will be assigned come july 1st.  this can be very anxiety producing for us, as well as our families, and local congregations!  three of my colleagues who hadn't planned on moving have been moved so far this year!!!   so on my walk monday morning, while my pedometer was acting up and not really counting my steps, i had a little heart to heart with god....

and the conclusion i came to was that i needed to get my house in order, metaphorically speaking.  and i took that to mean, i needed to "nest".  and for those who know me, needing to do 'productive busy work' helps keep my mind off of too much thinking!  i could imagine i'd be called by the bishop to serve greater (or lesser) out-of-merced, and i'd be like, "but i'm not ready!  i've work to do!

god said, 'get your house in order -- just cause!'  and so i took that to mean, clean up my yard for spring and enjoy!  (isn't that how you'd take it if you didn't want YOUR bishop to call?!)  besides, while i was doing all this yard work, my phone was in the house...out of sight, out of mind!

so, at least for the remainder of this season, i get to enjoy the work i've done in my yard; this brings me joy and pleasure and has less calories than chocolate!  i've more work to do, but, there is one more monday left in lent!

still, i do have one more goal to achieve; one i cannot really keep putting off; it will not take long, but it means i have to actually attend to it.  perhaps a little more prayer, another walk around the neighborhood, and some more work in the yard will help!

are you finding pleasure this lent?  and is it a god thing for you, too?