Glorious Lent!

In the middle of this month we will once again eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and begin Lent on Ash Wednesday. What difference if any - will Lent make to you this year?

Perhaps the answer is to be found in spring, for in spring we see a huge change - away from the cold, dark deadness of winter and into the warmth and light of spring and the glorious new growth which they bring.

This is change which doesn't come as part of a gargantuan struggle of self-denial, but as an irresistible response to a change in conditions. Maybe we can learn from this. Instead of trying to improve ourselves by pulling on our own bootstraps, perhaps we can just allow natural change to take place in us.

For this to happen, we'll need to do two things. The first is to open ourselves up to God's presence. It will be different for each of us, but just make time to be in the presence of God. This doesn't have to be forced, or hard work. Find time to make yourself a cup of coffee and sit outside in the sun in a moment of warmth. Be grateful to God for this moment of joy; chat to him about things that worry you or hopes you have. Let God lead you into the right next thing for you. If you can, share your thoughts with trusted friends and family - they can be a great help in clarifying your thoughts.

Then, if you find God leading you in a particular direction, use your common sense and find out more. I found myself challenged by the Copenhagen summit to think more about my carbon footprint on the planet. An online check surprised me by showing that the intercontinental flight I'd made was trivial, and that my efficient little car with its low mileage didn't even register! What I actually needed to do to change was to address other areas of my life!

So, what is Lent to be for you this year? What will it do for you? What will it do for others?