When I think of the season of Lent, I think of a “journey.” Whether this is because I associate it with Jesus’ time in the wilderness, or a season before Easter, I often think of Lent as something to be moved through. Yes, we are in the season of Lent, but it won’t last forever. Yes, our current circumstances are not the most desirable, but we are on our way to some place better. While I consider it best to begin a journey with the end in mind, focusing only on the destination can inhibit our ability to appreciate the process along the way.
Life is what happens on the way. Who we are when we arrive at our destination is shaped by the challenges, successes, and obstacles that we manage along the way. When Jesus journeyed in the wilderness for “forty days” (probably the Gospel writer’s way of indicating a “long time”), he had a lot of time to Himself. He had a lot of time to consider priorities. He had a lot of time to take stock of His past successes and victories. He was hungry. He was tired. He was alone. He undoubtedly carried pain, sorrow, loss, and grief. In our own lives, we too carry grief and loss. Often, we suppress and downplay these emotions, not only as a personal coping mechanism, but also because a loved one suggests or encourages it.
“You’ll get over it.”
“This too shall pass.”
“God has a plan for you.”
“At least it wasn’t worse.”
Allowing space for grief is not a strength of our society. Providing comfort that engages and embraces people and their pain is rare. When our calendars and schedules often shift our focus forward, racing to the next holiday or celebration, I invite you to hold the “in-between-ness” of Lent as an invitation to NOT have it altogether.
You don’t always have to smile.
You don’t need to hurry to “get over it.”
There is room in life for all your emotions. There is room for all the parts of you. In this season, let us bravely hold the realities of our grief and make room for others to do the same. May God meet us where we are.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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