
In Wisconsin, when February turns to March, and March into April, rain is an unavoidable reality. Snow is an unwelcome but persistent possibility. As the days slowly stretch out in length, our aspirations turn towards warmth and sunshine. Yet what we often receive is cold, wet, late winter weather. Still, this weather serves its purpose. It dampens the grounds so that seeds can sprout, it washes away the dirt and grime that cover our roadways and sidewalks throughout the winter months.
I suppose that sometimes, we greet God’s Word with the same attitude we greet the late winter snow. It’s not always comfortable, it’s not always welcome. God’s Word wakes us from complacency, shakes us from stillness, and moves us towards new ways of being with one another – and being with God. God’s Word can be a cold, wet wakeup, and Lent can be a season where it pours down over us. As we journey through this Lenten season, may God’s Word water the earth of our hearts and minds.
Lord of rain, snow, sleet, and slush, help us to pause this day so that we can wake up. May we learn to see how you have called us to bring a different type of bread, spiritual food for which the world hungers. Amen.
Ryan Panzer, 2011
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.
Isaiah 55:10
Recent Comments