Let Go This Lent

“For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come…” (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)

Spring and Lent. Seemingly at first, they are a paradox. And of course, a paradox always makes us think hard…but can be rewarding if we embrace it in the end.

The season of Lent, of course, is a time to fast, pray, repent, and change our ways to grow even closer to God by following closer to Jesus. I ponder this as I watch a big fat robin in the trees in my backyard this morning, see daffodils blooming, feel the warmth of spring breezes in the air. I want to jump for joy the first day of Spring! But I don’t want to forget my Lenten journey. Can I do both? I believe the short answer is YES!

This Lent I decided I was going to work on trying to let go of anything in my life that no longer serves me in my walk with Jesus so I can be freer, lighter, to step into spring more peacefully, gratefully and joyfully despite the small “crosses” I have to bear. I ended up writing this poem…

Let Go This Lent

Lord I pray I can let go…

of fear and worry and stress,
of anger and self-righteousness,
of pride and expectations,
of trials and tribulations.

Let go…

of self-pity and self-doubt,
of trying to figure it all out,
of focusing on me, me, me,
of not fully trusting Thee.

Let go…

of holding on too tight,
of forcing solutions with my might,
of trying to get my own way,
of trying to have the last say.

Let go…

of not trusting in Your grace,
of not seeking Your will, Your face,
of not forgiving everyone,
of all that blocks the sun.

So that I may let in
Your love, mercy, peace and joy this Lent, this Spring.
Amen.