live accordingly

As I worked on these this weekend, I thought – I am looking forward to this. (photo from Flickr)

I am looking forward to the paring down, the stripping away.

This quote, from a book that is part of a great series, inspires…

…Lent requires me, as a Christian,
to stop for a while, to reflect again
on what is going on in me.
I am challenged again to decide whether I, myself,
do truly believe that Jesus is the Christ -
and if I believe, whether I will live accordingly
when I can no longer hear the
song of angels in my life and the star of Bethlehem has grown dim for me.
Lent is not a ritual.
It is time given to think seriously about who Jesus is for us,
to renew our faith from the inside out.
- Joan Chittister, The Liturgical Year

As does this post by Catherine Falsani – an author who I admire for her determination to find God in unlikely places – such as the pages of Playboy.

This idea, this tradition, this ritual of a season set aside for preparing oneself – for taking an honest look, being quiet, practicing confession and reverence – seems especially appealing to my heart right now.  Joining with the greater church around the world because this observance is needed by more than just me; it is part of the rhythm of our life of faith. Taking away something, not just to take it away, but to open up space and time for the getting ready. I don’t know yet what form, exactly, that will take. Guess I have a couple more days to figure that out.

I did love doing this last year with Alison and Taido…

Hmmm.  What about you? Have you had any thoughts about it all this year? What are you planning?