"I wonder if snow days are God's way of saying, 'If you won't take a Sabbath for yourself, I'm going to enforce one with this cold manna-type stuff. Have some cocoa and relax, will ya?'" These words from a favorite book, Sabbath in the Suburbs by MaryAnn McKibben Dana, were a good reminder to me this morning.
In late February, it seemed surprising that we would end up with school and business closings with winter weather. After all, aren't we supposed to be transitioning into early spring according to our Georgia groundhog? Either way, enjoy this rare occasion where you are really forced to rest, relax, enjoy time with family and experience some Sabbath. But, what about the rest of the year, when weather conditions don't cause us to stop? How do we take time to experience Sabbath rest?
As we continue on our Lenten journey this week, remember that Lent is part of the journey of faith. I would invite you to think about how far you have come already. What have been the challenges of your walk with Christ so far? The ups? The downs? The blind alleys? The backtracks? The side trips? The spiritual companions along the way? Take time to write a postcard to God from this point on your Lenten journey. Take a picture with your phone or camera or draw your own picture. You could pose a question to God, ask for guidance, describe where you are right now on the journey, or give thanks for those who have walked with you.
God provides for our needs just as he did for the Israelites when they journeyed in the wilderness. Maybe it's not manna and quail or a snow day, but if you stop to look back on where you've been so far you can name times, places or people that God has provided. As we continue these 40 days, look closely for how God may be using you to share your experiences with others.
These words from The Message translation in Paul's letter to the Philippians give an interesting perspective on the way that God provides for our needs:
And now I have it all-and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes. -Philippians 4:18-20
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, you are our way in the wilderness. In our times of testing be our spiritual nourishment. You are the manna, our source of life. Help us to come to you and receive all the good things you offer us, by worshiping and serving you alone; through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
