Ash Wednesday

So, today is March 1st and Ash Wednesday. It is the start of the Lenten season. I want to take this season to explore deeper inot the mystical and contemplative side of my spirituality. I'll be reading regularly from Henri Nouwen and listening to a lot of John Michael Talbot! :P

I want to take these next 40 days to explore the wisdom of God in all of its mysteriousness and glory. From the ashes of repentance to the glorious rebirth that is represented by Easter. I want to dig deep and find the healer of my soul. I want to fall deeper in love with the keeper of my days. His faithfulness is beyond my understanding or recognition. His goodness is great beyond compare. My daily dependence upon His mercies and His provision goes mostly unnoticed in my own shallow heart. I long to dive deep and explore the rich depths that He offers. I want to come face to face with the fear that those depths inspire. The mystery and the majesty. I want to be surrounded and filled. And then to walk out of this 40 days changed. As Winter grapples with Spring during this season, I, like Jacob, want to wrestle with God and walk away with a limp.

In a house with 4 young children, it is hard to find focused time, but I am determined to push through in these next few weeks. I will pursue the disciplines and seek the face of Yahweh. I will find the perspective on my own fragile existence through tasting a little bit of the mystery of the divine.

Lord, I seek you. Take me to places that I've never dreamed in the depths of Your essence.