Disoriented

This morning the parsonage was preternaturally quiet as the human alarm clock known as Chip is away on a trip with his grandparents. While the silence and calm were welcome, as was the ability to sleep past 6 am, it was jarring, unusual, disorienting. So, too, the absence of my morning cup of Joe, which, as is my custom, I've given up for Lent.

Which means my Lent is getting off to a good start.

This is supposed to be a time of reflection and penitence. The routines we adopt, the patterns we fall into, make it difficult to do this. When we're comfortable, able to operate on auto-pilot, take things for granted, we're unable to step back and take stock of what's going on in our faith lives. Disruptions to the familiar ease our entry into Lent (and help us prepare for the Great Disruption known as the Resurrection).

So, as odd as it may sounds, I hope something throws you off your stride today, that you experience a little bit of spiritual disorientation, and that your Lenten season gets off to a fast start.

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