Days 11-16 (Monday-Saturday)
Sorry folks, I've been useless this week at keeping this updated. Perhaps it was an
ambitious project to assume I could keep on top of this daily during my busy life. A
couple of main thoughts this week, which reflect how this celebration of Lent has
been meaningful for me and the right thing for my relationship with God:
1. During this week and last I have also been going round the homegroups with
details of a couple of campaigns from Tear Fund.
Perhaps because of the sensitivity I feel that
celebrating Lent has given me, this has felt really
important and touching. I have realised anew
how important to me is this aspect of my
Christianity. I have been encouraged that my
church have responded positively to these
sessions as I have visited home-groups to talk to
people. I also did a short bible study with the
groups to establish two points: (a) that social
justice action is part of the calling to all
Christians; (b) that God does not want us to feel
guilt-tripped or under pressure to give. These were useful to hear God's heart of
grace-motivated action.
2. I had a shock this week in work when it was suddenly announced that I was
'displaced'. That means my old job no longer exists and I need to apply for a new
one. It should be OK as I am a strong candidate for one of the role, but it is
nonethless a disturbing experience - especially competing with my friends to get the
fewer jobs. I never thought I would be taking Lent this far, giving up my job, surely
that is 'Extreme Lent'! Seriously though it has been a good time for me to remember
that my security is not in my job but in a God who cares for me and has provided for
me & my family over the years. It also means I need to seek God more and try and
hear direction, especially as I also consider the option of finding a job elsewhere. It
feels this is also appropriate to Lent - a time to hear God and reassess my life; help
me Father and speak to me Holy Spirit!
What a bigger adventure Lent is proving to be than I expected...