“Day 1 ~ The Journey Begins”

What’s the first thing that comes to mind as you read that?

Cross country road trip?

Hiking Machu Picchu?

Hobbit quest beyond the shire?

Whatever you thought of, it’s exactly right! There are endless meanings, really, depending on the traveler’s point of view, and  I’m beginning to think the difference between just getting from point A to point B and taking a “journey” might not be as much about the destination – however vacation-worthy and soul-inspiring it may be– as it is about the journey itself.

With that in mind, and being the packer/planner that I am, I’ve devised a short list of absolute “have tos” when planning a journey!

Rules (or polite suggestions, depending on your conflict style) for the journey:

1. Invest in good socks, so I am told.
2. Let someone know where you’re headed if traveling alone.
3. Be prepared!
4. Be open to sharing the journey with others.
5. Carry a whistle.
6. Keep handy a map, GPS device, sextant, compass, or other thing to help you stay on course.
7. Take plenty of snacks! (Probably water, too.)

Ok…..it’s pretty clear I have little idea what is actually needed for a proper journey of the terra firma variety, but to be honest that’s not the type of journey that’s on my mind , particularly during this unique time in the Christian tradition known as Lent.

The idea to write a short reflection for each of the 40 days of Lent first came in 2012. Since then, there have been five additional Lenten series, each one attempting to put into words where Jesus is showing up in my heart and in the world. How could I have even imagined in 2012 what would transpire in my life and the life of my family in the years to come? That there would be days when following through with this simple task would at times feel like its own climb up Machu Picchu, and at others be the very hope needed to make it to the next day? We’ve known heartache and loss that still weaves in and out of our days, and we’ve also experienced much more than ever before what the grace and faithfulness of God looks like up close.

So…each year I prayerfully consider whether to start another series of Lenten reflections, and this year – 2023 – there is definitely something stirring deep inside. It is more than just the calling to take a couple of hours (or 3…or 5…) each evening to write a daily reflection. There’s a feeling of restless anticipation, like there are things waiting to be discovered and even more ways to heal and to grow. And, to be honest, just a yearning to connect more deeply to Jesus, and be reminded once again how incredibly, passionately, and indefinitely loved we are – the type of love that compels us to share that love with others.

Of my 7 rules (or polite suggestions) for a journey, the one that I absolutely know I need above all else is number 4, “Be open to sharing the journey with others.” If there is anything I’ve learned through the process of sharing this simple, small-in-the-eyes-of-the-internet, blog, is that we need each other! There is something that happens when we come alongside one another and share even a portion of the journey together, and I would be so honored if you would consider sharing some of it with me!

I can’t promise it will always be easy, but what kind of journey worth taking ever is?

We don’t need much to get started on Day 1 – just an open heart, really.

And maybe snacks.

Definitely snacks!

So honored to be here with you,

Shellie