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Making Space for Renewal

Dear Salem Family,

I have been reflecting the last week on the word busy. We are so busy with so many things. There is always something to do, and always something we need to do. I will admit, I love being busy. I love having a full calendar and seeing all kinds of people and being involved in all kinds of things. But, I’ve also learned that when I am that busy, sometimes I’m not always present. I am always anticipating my next move or my next gathering. So, while I love being busy, I sometimes have that twinge of regret that I wasn’t completely present in what I had been experiencing.

As we enter the season of Lent many people talk about adding a spiritual discipline to your life or give up something from your life. I am wondering though, are we truly reflecting on making space in our lives for renewal during Lent? If we just give up chocolate or sweets for 40 days, or add a time of prayer but then don’t keep that up throughout the year, are we reflecting? I feel like my intentions have always been good; I’ll give up something or add something in hopes that I will continue it. But, I think my problem has been that my intentions are not about making space for focus on God or renewal, but on a should. I should give up something for Lent, because that’s what I’m supposed to do.

I challenge you to operate from a space of renewal, rather than a place of should. That if you decide to give up something or add something, that you would focus on making space for renewal, making space to remind yourself of your baptism and continue this discipline. We are focusing on alms giving as a community, performing acts of charity or donating your time or goods towards charity. Maybe, this year for Lent make space in your life to give, maybe give up something in your life in order to add space for alms giving. Or simply give up something in order to make space for reflection. I challenge you to try something. Make space for something. I know we are busy, but sometimes we need to be present and we need to make space for that. I know I do.

Meghan Harmison
Director of Adult Ministries and Outreach

Tags: Weekly Word