There is a quiet place in my home that I retreat to mid afternoon if I am able. It’s tough to find the time but when I do you’ll find me there tucked away in the corner. It isn’t a big space but were you here you’d find a small pine desk, a smaller tv and a stack of books hidden within the tv stand. It was built to give me some peace in the midst of therapy and I’m grateful that we took the time to do so.
I’m sitting here now. Sitting at my desk with computer in front of me, book beside me and coffee in reach should I so need it. I’m pondering the message of yesterday on transfiguration and wondering if perhaps this area is my own tiny mountaintop. We all all need places to retreat to, to find solace in. We all need places of peace which allows for growth and reflection. While I may not find myself face to face with a beautiful radiant Jesus I do find his peace and presence here.
Tomorrow we feast on pancakes and Wednesday it begins. Lent is coming. The season where we practice simple living, prayer and repentance. The season where we reflect upon who Jesus is and what is to come. I am glad I have this place, this tiny place of peace and quiet in the midst of life and it’s demands.
Having this place isn’t enough though. I need to use it, to embrace it. I need to retreat here once daily and find time for reflection and pause. I haven’t been taking the time I need. I haven’t been taking the time required of me by God. I think it’s time to really sit, to really listen and wait.
Some years I embark of large Lenten projects. Projects involving great reading or massive meditation. This year as I continue to move towards a more purposeful, deliberate existence I think my task will me much smaller. I intend to sit here once a day. Whether it be for a minute or five, an hour or two is of no consequence. My taste is to sit, to reflect and to ponder. We shall see what comes of it but for now I am determined. Through the transfiguration Jesus reminds us of the need to pray, to retreat and listen. I think this reminder was exactly what I needed at this time.
Are you doing anything yourself for Lent? How do you mark this season of reflection and pause?
