A reflection on the Daily Lectionary readings for February 26. Please see the Daily page for tools to help you make daily prayer and scripture part of your rhythm.
(Psalm 121; Isaiah 51:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:3-7)
How is your Lent? It feels so awkward to say ‘happy Lent’. What is your Lent Seasonal Greeting? Have a blessed Lent? A Holy Lent? A challenging Lent? A grateful Lent? Our readings for today all have an atmosphere of gratitude. Paul writes to Timothy saying he is grateful for their relationship and for Timothy’s faith learned from his mother and grandmother. The prophet Isaiah describes the joy and thanksgiving that is found when we recognize God’s comfort. The psalmist reminds us of God’s presence and protection.
I am grateful for a lovely group of folks that I got to spend time with yesterday who want to go deeper in their study of scripture so that God’s word shapes their days. I am grateful for the people who have helped me to keep my eyes on Jesus through some very dark times in the past couple of years. I am grateful for the faith I learned from my grandmother, a faith in the God who gives me a spirit of power and love and self-discipline. I am grateful for God’s presence and protection and comfort. I am grateful for the way God has guarded my heart through the struggles and the lessons I’ve learned. I am grateful for you and the time you give to read what I write.
What are you grateful for this Lent? Are you grateful for the opportunity to be intentional about how you use your time and resources to nurture your relationship with God? Are you grateful for the lessons learned when we challenge ourselves or the lessons learned through the suffering we have experienced (see yesterday’s post for my thoughts about suffering)?
I pray that for all of us that Lent is fruitful, that we grow to love better each day.
Keep lovin’ louder than the hate, Y’all.
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