Your reflections are so helpful, so honest and so encouraging - even though they are also challenging. I, too, am doing something a bit differently this Lent. God's compassion and call are ever new.
Thank you, Ruth. 'Ever new' is such a perfect way to put it. Last year I was looking for a program; this year I’m just trying to stay open to that newness. I’m encouraged to hear you’re doing things differently too, there’s a special kind of peace found in that small obedience. Peace to you this Lent. 🙏🏿✝🕊
I'll take exception to one thing you wrote: "... and what I do remember, I failed."
No you didn't. You may have followed a script and had a shallow experience, but you have risen to do it again. And you learned some things about your walk with God that are important for you and useful in instructing others. All of it was moving forward, toward Christ, into deeper relationship. We can all look back and chuckle at our inexperienced selves, but those are not failures when we learn from the experience.
Thank you for your post and the thoughtful insights. May the Lord cause his face to shine on you always, brother.
"The shock of God’s presence was so new it felt like a current still humming in my bones."
What a wonderful way to describe that first experience of God's Presence! God certainly got your attention!
Yes, He has. I thank Him everyday for not having given up on me. 🙏🏿✝🕊
Your reflections are so helpful, so honest and so encouraging - even though they are also challenging. I, too, am doing something a bit differently this Lent. God's compassion and call are ever new.
Thank you, Ruth. 'Ever new' is such a perfect way to put it. Last year I was looking for a program; this year I’m just trying to stay open to that newness. I’m encouraged to hear you’re doing things differently too, there’s a special kind of peace found in that small obedience. Peace to you this Lent. 🙏🏿✝🕊
I'll take exception to one thing you wrote: "... and what I do remember, I failed."
No you didn't. You may have followed a script and had a shallow experience, but you have risen to do it again. And you learned some things about your walk with God that are important for you and useful in instructing others. All of it was moving forward, toward Christ, into deeper relationship. We can all look back and chuckle at our inexperienced selves, but those are not failures when we learn from the experience.
Thank you for your post and the thoughtful insights. May the Lord cause his face to shine on you always, brother.
Thank you for pointing that out, Jeff. I agree with you. It wasn’t a failure and I could have expressed that point differently. 🙏🏿