Deborah and I have both observed our resistance to showing up every day for the Lenten practice. Whose idea was this anyway? How many times do we have an idea and then immediately squash it? There’s not enough time, it’s too much trouble, what good will it do.
Today’s reading is about the power of the mind. The mind has power and also anti-power which is resistance. We are empowered when we move through the muck and sludge of resistance and keep going. Spiritual practice is not about practicing for the sake of being good. For me, it is the practice of clearing away the thoughts of I’m not enough, so that the blessing and the promise of God can shine through.
After the reading the lesson today, we both realized that we are not doing this for anyone else. We are coming together in partnership to recognize the Presence of Love in each other and in ourselves. It’s not my work to ‘make’ anyone do anything. It is my ministry and calling to continue to make the invitation to deepen in faith and love.
Whose idea is all this? God’s idea. That’s good enough for me.