Day 1 – Invitation

“I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

As part of my Lenten journey, the Lord has invited me to record my daily walk with him into the desert.

I can’t say I welcomed the invitation as my response to him was, everyday, Lord? You really want me to journal every single day? I already feel overwhelmed with life! I suppose that’s why he didn’t mentioned it until now.

Ash Wednesday, a designation of time to officially enter the desert. I have this love-hate relationship with the desert. Dread and anticipation all stirred together. Dread, as nothing about the desert appeals to me, nothing at all, and anticipation for what may be. After all, life does exist in the desert. But, it sure looks different from what I am used to.

I close my eyes and pray: Jesus, lead me by the hand and walk me into this desert place with you.

I stand at the desert’s edge with trepidation, my hand in his. It’s no different than standing at the edge of a cold mountain lake, testing the water. I don’t know if I want to expose myself to all of this. How might it turn out? What if it goes poorly? What if I have nothing to write? Sometimes, the only way to get in is to take the plunge. I am leaving what is green and lush and comfortable, for the unknowns of the desert. I let Jesus lead me in. We stand together in the sand. It is warm and it feels okay.

He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Reflection:

1. What are you experiencing or feeling as you begin your Lenten journey?
2. What hope or hesitation do you have as it relates to your relationship with Jesus?
3. Close your eyes and imagine yourself with Jesus.