Asking God to Stay

"If we picture all the obstructions between us and God

as a wilderness,

Lent presents us with time to clear and cultivate

a part of that wilderness,

to create an open space in it.

In this newly opened space,

we may live more freely and 

commune more closely

with the divine.

We can transform this wilderness

and make it our home,

our garden,

a place that invites God in 

and asks God to stay."

--Sarah Parsons

"A Clearing Season:  Reflections for Lent"

Looking in the rear view mirror

I see them

the obstructions

which squelched my freedom

and separated parts of me

from God

And I'm surprised

Surprised because I recall some of this unveiling during Lent last year

and yet somehow

I became entangled 

again

Paul says we are to, 

"lay aside...the sin which so easily entangles us..."

Hebrews 12:1

He's right on the mark!

Sin does so easily entangle me

How cleansing then is this Lenten season!

This stretch of weeks in which

I invite Jesus to clear away sin's obstruction

This wilderness is being transformed

slowly

but purposefully

The garden that is developing

is calming for my soul

I invite Him to continue 

clearing

and cultivating

and growing

me

I invite Him

to stay