13th day of Lent

Snow in Georgia during March? That is almost unheard of. My memory tells me that March 13, 1993, it snowed 16 inches in Acworth, Georgia. I was pastor then of Acworth UMC, and several hundred people lived in our church facilities for five days. Interstate 75 was closed to travel from Acworth to Boston. It was an unexpected adventure.

Out of that adventure came relationships with people headed home from spring breaks and ‘snow birds’ headed north for spring and summer. They were stranded. The motels/hotels were full. So we hosted, and we had a blast. It was ministry at its best. From the unexpected, blessing was found.

Lent is that way for me. There are things I know to expect from Lent - purple Paraments, cross made from a Chrismon Tree, somber music, and an annual look inward. But inevitably there are surprises in Lent. Just as much a surprise as a snowfall in Georgia in March, God shows up in unexpected ways and offers to do unexpected things in my life. You’d think by now, I’d learn not to be surprised - but I usually am.

Often the surprises are small, but occasionally they are big. What is the surprise this year? I’m waiting and watching. Will it be some sinful thought or behavior that I am unaware of that God will show me? Will it be some new adventure of faith growth that God wants for me? Will it be big? Will it be small? Whatever it may be, I sure don’t want to miss it!

Dear Lord, keep me honest in my Lenten adventure. Help me not to miss what you have for me. Help me not to miss what you know I need. Help me to see your surprise for the beauty that it is - even if it is inconvenient and messy - like a March snowfall in Georgia.