So Far So Lent

I have been thinking a lot lately about how this particular season of Lent has lined up in a unique way for me with a space of time with nothing 'big' to plan for, and nothing 'big' to be in the midst of.  

Unlike the past five months, almost non-stop, when I was indeed planning AND/OR in the midst of all the big things, smack bang all in a row, from now until Easter the list is back to a reasonable length, and the weekly demands have diminished somewhat.  A good deal, actually.

In making space for some intentional listening, I felt I was being directed to give up "productivity" for Lent.

It's a bid odd, I agree.  Rather abstract, unlike chocolate, or coffee, or even social media.  It's not even an abstinence from work entirely, as there still are many important irons in the fire that do indeed require my attention.  So what does it mean, exactly?

I'm not sure yet.

But any sense of 'git er done' is, I think, out of bounds right now.  No pushing.  No pressing.  No striving to accomplish as much as possible in the time allotted, as is my usual default setting.  Such could easily be my god, truth be told.  And I pause to just be somber in that thought.

Giving up productivity for Lent.  I am figuring it out.  I mean, what does working but not pressing toward intense productivity look like?

So far, it looks like....

• An intentionally shorter list for each of the next six weeks.
• Stopping first thing in the morning to take in a 6 minute video by N.T. Wright, part of his "People of Promise: Lent Series."
• Prioritizing shoveling the snow over getting down to work as an act of worship this morning while Ken was still sleeping off a fever.
• Allowing wider spaces for conversations.
• Making reading a real thing and not just a treat thing.
• Ending the work day when I still have energy for 'one more thing.'
• Heading out for a walk at the end of the day instead of trying to cram in that 'one more thing.'
• "Booking" a nap near to the end of the week, and holding myself responsible to it.
• Refraining from listing 'all the things I've done today' posts on social media.  (Hope this isn't one of them.)

So far.

Spiritual formation is hard work, I find.  I keep cycling back to my basic issues, unlearning and relearning and peeling back the layers.  I'm not entirely sure where all this will take me this time out.  Just following a lead and seeing what comes.

Happy Thursday, however it unfolds for you.

And if you are observing a Lenten practice, may it take you deeper into where you're going.