Be Thawed and Rejoice: Lent (part six)
Spring is upon us.
A new season. A season of life bursting forth from the cold and dreary.
It’s often cold and dreary, isn’t it?
I write this while looking out my window in Arizona, where it is unusually cloudy and rainy. We’ve had more rain this season than any in Arizona’s history, I believe. Not that I’m complaining. It will be 110° before we know it. But for now, the environment around me is a reminder that my life has been fairly cold and dreary, especially during this season of Lent. Perhaps I’m learning more about what it means to die to things. Perhaps I’m just finally paying attention and listening.
I’m still not sure.
But, I am sure of one thing. Spring is upon us. Life is bursting forth.
My life.
Your life.
You know, a heart frozen by bitterness, cynicism and fear is a dangerous thing. Wounds run deep, causing it to barricade itself for protection. It thinks that by staying closed off and hardened, no one will be affected. Instead, it lashes out in anger, tries to change appearances for acceptance or wishes for more punishment. “Maybe if I just suffered more,” it says, “I could finally move on.”
My heart has been frozen in areas, but these areas are dying. In their place grows a new hope. A hope of more compassion, more humility, more Christ. Spring has come, but some things are still frozen. As the ice starts to melt it cracks, sending pain jolting throughout the area frozen. This has proven to be quite unbearable at times.
The thawing of a deep freeze is nothing minor. This takes time. A season’s time. It’s going to be painful. There is no story of redemption without depravity. But, he’s right there with me. Through the pain. Through me wrestling with change.
I’ve heard his whispers slowly increase in volume during this season, and now, as the season begins to change, I hear him saying…
Be thawed, and rejoice!
image: Sam
A New Look (in progess)
No, I didn’t change this site’s name to “Standard.”
The upgrade to the Standard Theme is complete. I’m super excited to have the site set up on some solid coding. I’m currently looking to have it *slightly* customized, so hopefully you’ll be seeing a lil’ more soon- aka a new header, for one.
Thanks to all who have stopped by so far in the 4ish months this site has been around. It’s been a joy to connect with you all on here so far, and I appreciate your comments and dialogue.
I’m going to be continuing the Lent series posts this week, as I still feel like I have things to share. I apologize if they’ve bored some of you, but this season is proving to be a defining time, I believe.
So, if you don’t mind, hang on for more. I feel good things a comin’…
A Brief Weekend Update
Tonight I’ll be opening up for Jeremy Casella at a house show here in Phoenix. If you’re in the area, you can find all of the information for the event HERE.
I’m pumped to be playing some original tunes (probably 3 songs) in front of both friends and strangers who haven’t heard them. I’m hoping to get some decent pictures of the night, along with a decent video of the songs. Of course this is all hinging on our digital camera, so we’ll see.
I’d appreciate your prayers, as I’m sure I’ll be at least somewhat nervous. This is not necessarily a Christian event, but the house show is definitely part of a missional approach to community. I hope God will use the songs he gave me to impact, convict, challenge, inspire, etc.
How about you all? Any special plans this weekend?
