As the first day of Lent arrives, it is hard not to feel a sense of purpose and renewal in the air. It is a time to practice letting go of the old and embracing the new.
When I was younger, my dad gave me what I call a “life hack.” A life hack is much like a kitchen hack. Incorporating the hack in the kitchen, like rinsing rice thoroughly before cooking to remove the starch, will prevent starch from boiling over, avoiding a big mess. You will save yourself time and aggravation down the road. My dad imparted to me the 5 P’s life hack (Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance). Preparation is vital to any successful endeavor, and spiritual preparation is no exception. It is a discipline that involves finding a peaceful physical and mental space to focus on God’s presence while opening our hearts and minds to receive divine inspiration. Doing so lets us let go of any distractions or negativities and make room for new and refreshing thoughts.
As we embark on this Lenten journey together in 2024 of self-reflection and growth, you and I must approach each day with a sense of expectation, living, giving, loving, and growing. It is a time for us to be fully present in the moment and actively release anything that may hold us back. By doing so, we can make space for new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities to enter our hearts that will profoundly impact our lives and collective work.
Through prayer, we are preparing for the days of Lent with a heart full of love, peace, and gratitude. As we welcome this newness of divine inspiration and embrace the potential for growth in every area of life, our souls will overflow with anticipation and joy. With open and receptive hearts, we will discover a fresh and renewed outlook on life and community, ready to embark on this journey with zeal and determination.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.—Psalm 23:5