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 Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 In Ohio, it can be tempting to think that the first hint of spring is an indicator to put away the winter attire and prepare for a warmer climate that does not involve shoveling or weather closure alerts, etc. However, as I write this, there is a considerable amount of snow outside my window, which tells me it is still winter in Ohio. It truly has been a brutal winter with freezing temperatures, record competing levels of snow, and disruptions. In fact, in January, we made the difficult decision to close worship one Sunday due to the treacherous conditions. I think many of us will welcome spring with open arms in a few weeks!

            Our liturgical season is now in Lent. During Lent, the church prepares for the supreme victory over death—the resurrection of Christ. Traditionally, Lent is a period of 40 days in which the faithful walk the journey of resisting temptation that Jesus himself experienced leading up to his death and resurrection. Many of us give up desired treats that bring some semblance of satisfaction in exchange for the spiritual nourishment that comes from reliance on God. Many Christians have come to view this season as a period of simply giving up rather than preparing for joy. Giving up something we enjoy or desire is never easy. Our psychology tells us that when we think we cannot have something the desire for that object often increases. Lent is not intended to be a trivial season of giving up what we desire simply for the sake of giving it up. Instead, Lent is where we come to experience the breadth and the depth of our spiritual core that we belong to God and God provides for our needs. Because God promises, God delivers. The early disciples had a difficult time understanding why they must give up Jesus for the salvation of the world—and, likely, did not believe him when he said he would return. But God promises. God delivers. The culmination of Lent is the Easter hope. Christ resurrected and our eternal spiritual needs will be met.

            In this season of Lent, I encourage you to set aside time to reflect on where God is delivering—indeed resurrecting—in your own life. Rather than seeing Lent as a trivial exercise, consider what feeds your soul and where is God meeting your need. If you notice gaps, do not be discouraged. Instead, come together with your brothers and sisters in Christ, because we all experience doubt during this Lenten journey—just as Jesus himself did. In the fullness of time, however, God will deliver on promises made.

 With God’s grace, peace, and love,

David