Journey to the Cross 
Pause
Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidd’st me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Charlotte Elliott in “Just As I Am” (1834)
Listen
“Be careful that you don’t practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Whenever you give to the poor, don’t blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:1-4
Think
Between cold rain and clouds, we’ve had strong winds, bringing fresh air, blue skies, and with it, the smell of Spring. Where I live, the snowdrops and crocus are blooming. It’s the last day of February, and a new season is just around the corner.
Our days have been marked by collective fear and frustration, loss and sorrow. My soul has grown callous to it all. But the new season invites me to wake up, to shake off the cobwebs, to reach outside of myself, to hope.
A new season in the Church year is also here: Lent begins this Wednesday. Lent is a time to seek simplicity, a season of turning toward God through spiritual practices, forty days for reflection and reconnection. Spring cleaning for the soul.
You still have a few days to give it some thought. Will you give something up for Lent? Or will you take something on? Perhaps a regular prayer time? Or serving in your community?
Whatever you decide, it’s between you and God. Jesus says, it isn’t about drawing attention to yourself. Just show up, and be you.
Meredith Forssman
Pray
O God, I want to meet you in the secret place in this season.
I want to wake up and show up and be present to the holiness.
Will you speak to me? Will you move me?
I am here, and I am listening.
Amen.
Go
Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Charlotte Elliott in “Just As I Am” (1834)
