It’s been building up over the past few years, but this year, it seems to truly be turning into a swift and powerful waterfall – it’s the number of devotionals available to us, especially those to observe during Lent! And I, for one, am pruning before I even start!

It’s not that I don’t appreciate all of the time and effort (and the very good things) that each individual 40-day observance has to offer. But, there are so many of them! And, if you tried to do even half of the ones that sound marvelous, well, there wouldn’t be any time for deeper personal reflection.

So, I’m paring down my choices to two, and holding onto my own prayer and meditation time very protectively. If a day is too full of doc appointments, symptoms (especially fatigue), and other busy-ness, then I’ll opt for just “me and God” time.

It’s okay to say “no” to a devotional “program” for Lent, especially if you have already committed to one or you know that you’ll be unlikely to do justice to it and your personal time with God (including getting the most out of church services and fellowship with friends). Maybe you can revisit the programs you don’t follow next year. Maybe God will lead you in another direction.

Yes, maybe, it will be through quiet time, listening to God’s soft, loving voice within, that you will find greater wisdom and direction for the days after Lent.

You’ll never know unless you give it a very good, earnest try!

Peace,

Maureen