Trish Mann

What if, during Lent, we “flip the script”?

I have attended St Alban’s Chapel for about 10 years.  I am a member of the Pastoral Care Committee, the St Alban’s Ukulele Orchestra, and the leader of Support Circle.

“Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him.”  Deuteronomy 30:16

Click here to read the appointed scripture for Thursday after Ash Wednesday.

Devotion

What if, during Lent, we “flip the script”? Instead of holding fast to him, we keep in mind the image of being held.  

Think back to a time when you were safe and secure and being held by a parent, a spouse, or a dear friend.  That is how our loving Father is holding us; swathed in comfort and contentment.  For our Lenten observance we will rely on God’s initiative and not on our own will power.  Recalling the image of being held will be our Lenten practice. 

When we are afraid, we will imagine ourselves as being held, and thus become brave.

When we are in conflict with someone, we will imagine ourselves as being held, and thus become a peacemaker.

When we are stressed and exhausted, we will imagine ourselves as being held, and will find calm and rest.

When we are feeling insecure, we will imagine ourselves as being held, and will experience ourselves as being called “beloved.”

When we are grieving, we will imagine ourselves as being held, and thus we will know consolation.  

For Lent, in the silence of quiet time, we will experience the tender mercy of God ministering to our every need and saying to us: “I’ve got this. You can let go as I hold you.”