Tithing our Time to God

“Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen”. Collect for Ash Wednesday

Frederick Buechner is one of my favorite spiritual writers, and I receive a weekly reflection from the center that continues his legacy of profound spiritual writings. This week’s reflection encourages us to think about the forty days of Lent as a tithe of our time. It is a reminder that time is one of our most precious resources, and our culture is such that we are increasingly distracted by all the things competing for our attention. I know I’m not alone when I get anxious about not having my cell phone. Heaven forbid I leave it at home for the day! 

The seasonal offerings of the church year give us the opportunity to reset and reorient ourselves and our attention toward the things that matter most to us. Lent, while often thought of in a purely penitential way, is actually a time when we can allow the falling away of things that are not life-giving to us. Traditionally people may give something up or take on a new discipline – but underneath those decisions and our practices is a desire of grounding ourselves more deeply in God’s hope for our lives. 

What does God hope for us? I believe it is a calling to a life with purpose and meaning. To live with a faith posture that allows us to bear the suffering in our world, while still deeply celebrating the deep goodness of our lives. It being hopeful while still maintaining the courage to enter into the places that make us deeply uncomfortable. My experience teaches me that I can only do this when I set aside enough time for reflection and prayer. The insights I need to make discerning and important choices for my life only come when I am grounded enough to have hopped off the hamster wheel at least for a moment.

What ways might you give more time to God and your spiritual life during Lent? What questions might bubble up for you in that time? How might you prioritize choices that create space for you to hear the questions of your heart? God always longs for us to bask in the attention that is knowing how deeply we are loved. How might setting that time aside frame your Lenten observances this year?

Peace, Beth +