lent begins

I am a traveler on the way
to a sacred place
where God holds me
in the palm of his hand.

-Henri Nouwen

I am hopeful, that over the next 40 days of Lent, I will be aware of this. I don't have an exact discipline specified - that is, something given up or a specific practice added to my life. However, I have been thinking a lot about what it means to carve out space for God and living with intention and making an effort for peace. Peace within myself and peace in this world. What does it mean to wait? And to be OK in the waiting? Where does simplifying come in? Where does space set apart come in, especially when that just doesn't seem practical?

I know - big questions. And without a mission statement/goal, can I possibly succeed? Am I being over-ambitious? Well, I pray with God's help that I will begin carving out some time and space to discover what I need. I look at this Lenten season as a beginning to more intention, more trust, more patience. I trust that I may indeed be moved - if I let myself be open to God's movement in my life...

I am beginning by reading "Gifts from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I was given it for Christmas and had not really looked at it since then, but randomly picked it up last night. What a timely offering placed in front of me. To my surprise, it explores a lot of the themes I mentioned above and for that, I say thank you, God. Way to toss it in my path!