Taking your God for a Walk

When we talk about observing Lent, people usually think first of giving something up. They assume that Lent means no sweets, no alcohol, or some other sacrifice of a pleasant or comfortable habit. These practices are certainly valuable if they help you remember your connection to God. Every time you reach for the same old thing and stop, you are making a choice to find your comfort and joy in God instead.

Another way to observe Lent is to find some small way to spend more time with God, some daily moment of prayer that enriches your faith. The wonderful thing is that you don't have to go hunting for God, like a friend you hesitate to bother because they're always so busy. God is always ready, always available, always overjoyed to spend time with you. All it takes is for us to decide to be with God. We just need to get out of bed, turn off the constant media chatter, step away from the to-do list, and stop for a moment. We don't even have to say anything to God. We can just sit, or walk, or breathe together. If you're not one for silence, you could listen to music with God, or feel God's presence with you when you take the time to talk to someone who could use a friend. Whatever it looks like for you, a simple moment out of the day is more than enough to grow closer to God.