I am excited to see the early signs of spring emerging in the Rectory garden. Snowdrops are starting to peek through, and these glimpses of growth certainly help to lift our spirits during these grey days we have been experiencing. February can be a challenging month for many people. The wonder and excitement of Christmas have faded, and those New Year resolutions, made with such hope and determination, now seem like distant memories. As soon as Christmas is over, we are reminded of the approach of Easter, with shops quickly filling up with Easter eggs.
Easter is quite early this year, and on 18th February, we mark Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The word “Lent” is rooted in Old English terms for spring. As we witness the natural world coming back to life, full of the promise of summer growth and sunshine, it is also a good time to reflect on what is growing in our own lives. I like to think of Lent as a journey we travel towards Easter. In the church, this is a period of reflection and preparation, focusing on the Easter story. It is a time when we journey with Jesus along the difficult road that leads to the cross on Good Friday, and then beyond to the transformation and hope of Easter Day. This journey moves us from death to life, darkness to light, and despair to hope.
Lent is also an opportune time for anyone, whether of faith or not, to reflect and hope for transformation. God invites each of us to bring our journey through everyday life to Him. In the disappointments and setbacks of daily life, and in the pain of deeper hurts, we can know that God is with us. As Psalm 119 verse 90 says, “In every season God is faithful.” God promises a future where all things are healed and made new.
During Lent, many people choose to give something up or to take something up. I wonder how you might mark the season this year. We might ask ourselves what we can do to make a difference in our community, or on our road. Perhaps this is a season to think about different ways we can care for the environment or support our communities. Maybe you need time to reflect, I wonder what place or activity allows you to find peace and calmness? A few things come to mind for me: a window with a lovely view of the garden, creative pursuits, walking the dog, a jigsaw puzzle or reading.
In our benefice, each week during Lent we will be inviting everyone to join us for a mini pilgrimage—a journey with purpose. Each week we will visit one of the five churches in the benefice, taking just thirty minutes out of the day to step aside from our daily routines, to join with others in reflection and sharing a picnic lunch together (more information here).
As we travel through Lent, may this season bring you a renewed sense of hope. Whether you find solace in the beauty of nature, creative pursuits, or simply taking a moment out of your day for stillness, may your journey through Lent be marked by a deeper sense of peace.
Blessings
Revd Nicola
