I do not look forward to Lent. I haven’t been willing to participate but to a limited extent –  showing up on Ash Wednesday to sing with the choir and “get ashes”, then avoiding the singing of “Alleluia” while waiting for the celebratory time of Easter.

Occasionally I’d get a little anxious when someone else makes a comment about giving up something for Lent. I don’t think I’ve ever given up anything for Lent, or provided a Lenten reflection.

But here I am, putting together a reflection for Lent. This season will be different for me. I’m thinking of Jesus being led by the Spirit in the wilderness, and I’m thinking maybe I’ve found myself in the wilderness, but not led there by the Spirit. Through my own habits and choices and decisions I came to an empty place – a wilderness. I made my way out of the wilderness with the support of good friends who helped me become willing to ask for the Spirit’s help. I hadn’t been led by the Spirit into that wilderness, but I had to let the Spirit lead me out. I’m not sure that “wilderness” experience should be repeated.

What kind of wilderness experience could this Lent 2010 be for me? What is the example to try to follow - Jesus was tempted for 40 days in the wilderness, he overcame those temptations, and was strengthened. It looks like I’ll have to promise to give up something for Lent, and resist the temptation to break my vow for the duration of Lent. This 2010 Lenten season will be different for me.

Submitted by Claude Groves.