Today in my exercise class we did something new. Some kind of side plank, lift and kick thing. Our fearless leader said, "This is new, this is big, this is ugly!" I think oftentimes that is true of new things in life. They may even be a bit painful, but ultimately it's worthwhile! I am reflecting on this as the Lenten season comes to it's joyous end.
My husband and I decided for Lent we would get rid of at least one thing every day. And although we might have missed a day or two we definitely made up for it other days and can easily continue long after Easter. One full truckload has already gone to the thrift store and more is gathering. The goal was not just to get rid of stuff, but to simplify, scale down and truly give sacrificially. Not just getting rid of what we don't want, but keeping only the minimum of what we really need. That scenario will require much more from us, but I'm ready!
I've been, ever so slowly, reading the book Radical by David Platt. It's not a long book, but it is deeply convicting. Part of it is a message similar to that of this sculpture. It is the message Jesus shares with us in Matthew 25:31-46.
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| Homeless Jesus |
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:37-40 (The Message)
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So I look forward to celebrating Christ's resurrection Sunday and continuing my journey going new, big and, yes, ugly!
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| photo by Brian David Casey |
Rejoice! He is risen!
Linda <><
My family and I are in need of some spring cleaning. I like that idea of shedding something each day. I will have to remember that for next year.
ReplyDeleteAMEN Linda!!! I do that quite often & always still end up with things i don't need. But i continuously keep a box to be filled to go to our Mission Mart.
ReplyDeleteI keep a big black trash bag, it's mouth open, yawning and waiting for my donations.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea to give things away for lent - giving something up does not benefit others only makes the person doing it feel more pious (IMHO) but this is something that will help others in need.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea for giving things away for Lent! Happy Easter!
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