A Unusual Blessing

Growing up southern baptist, I was always confused when my catholic friends would prepare for the season of Lent. I asked my father why my friends felt compelled to "give up" something for 40 days. He explained that Lent was the season for fasting a portion of our lives to grow closer to Christ. I was intrigued by the idea. When I asked what we were giving up for Lent, he simply replied "Honey, you're baptist. You've already given up everything."

Note taken.

As an adult, I am still captivated by Lent, a challenge to physically restrain myself in order to grow closer to God. Sounds good. But instead of choosing coffee, chocolate or e-mail, I wanted to propose myself a different challenge:

One Chapter.

Of One Book.

Of the Bible.

Each Day.

40 days.

Randomly opening my Bible.

choosing to pursue Him above all else.

Today was Psalm 27.

Highlights:

"1The Lord is my light and my salvation-

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-

of whom shall I be afraid...

8My heart says of you, 'Seek his face!'

Your face, Lord, I will seek...

12 Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord."

In my search for information on Lent, I found this Franciscan Blessing:

May God bless you with discomfort.

Discomfort at easy answers,

half truths,

and superficial relationships

so that you may live deep with in your heart.

Amen.

May God bless you with anger.

Anger at

injustice,

oppression,

and exploitation

so that you may work for

justice,

freedom,

and peace.

Amen.

May God bless you with tears.

Tears to shed for those who suffer from

pain,

rejection,

starvation

and war

so that you may reach out your hand

to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.

Amen.

May God bless you with foolishness.

Enough foolishness to believe that you can make

a difference in this world,

so that you can do what others

claim cannot be done.

Amen.

And the blessing of God,

who creates,

redeems,

and sanctifies,

be upon you

and all you love

and pray for this day

and forever more.

Amen.

Here's to blessing you with discomfort, anger, tears and foolishness.