It is hard to believe that we are approaching the middle of March. Last week, it felt like we celebrated Christmas. Nevertheless, here we are. This past week was the first Sunday of Lent. I am playing catch up and want to observe a personal holy Lent.
     As a pastor, I often find myself juggling numerous responsibilities to my parishioners. It’s a constant struggle to ensure I’ve prepared hearts and minds for the season, and to offer diverse ways to experience the forty days of preparation before Easter. I often wonder, have I fulfilled my role as a good pastor?
     As I write this, I can’t help but acknowledge that I’ve often found myself in a similar situation. In my eagerness to observe Lent, I’ve sometimes pushed God out of the equation and focused solely on my tasks. It’s a struggle to remember to seek God’s direction in the midst of my ministry.
     I think of Mary’s attitude when Jesus came to dine at their home. Martha wanted to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear the good news. She wanted to savor her time with the Savior. Mary’s preoccupation with tasks blinded her from the most crucial reason Jesus visited her home. He hoped to share time with both sisters, delighting in a stolen moment where they could sit in good company, laugh, and freely share their hearts.
     Being a pastor can make it easy to forget why we do what we do. Sometimes, the business at hand prevents us from enjoying the presence of others. Yes, the sanctuary looks better with deep purple linens, but also with people who enter the sacred space expecting to encounter Jesus. Sharing hearts always trumps the business of the day. Radical hospitality invites strangers in and leads them to the one who provides inner peace.
     Today, I make a commitment to let go of the busyness and embrace moments of contemplation. The season of Lent serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize the most important things. Instead of rushing from place to place, I will stand firm, breathe, and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I will exhale the stress and anxiety, and seek God first, knowing that everything else will fall into place.