Most mornings I walk in my neighborhood enjoying the cool air, and now that it’s springtime, the budding trees and flowers. A yard I pass by has a small patch of bluebonnets that have been in bloom for a week or so. They are beautiful. I love the purple-blue spikes, gently waving in the breeze. This morning I noticed something new-weeds! Big, green, furry tall ones! In the midst of the bluebonnets! My first urge was to get into what was none of my business and pull them out. Fortunately I restrained myself. And then I got the lesson-they aren’t so bad. Actually they’re kind of pretty. And they make a nice green contrast to the delicate purple-blue. So it is with our lives. There are always some things that on first glance don’t seem to fit. But with a closer look, we see that even those aspects of ourselves have a place and a purpose-and most likely a special beauty. Noticing this is a sign of spiritual growth. Growing spiritually is not about getting “good” or “perfect” in a perfectionistic sense. It’s not about plucking out “weeds” so called. Rather it is about becoming more whole-accepting every part of ourselves and knowing that God loves us. We are loved as we are-and our consciousness is expanding to express more and more fully our spiritual nature and values. This is the lesson of Lent. Over the next two weeks I will immerse myself in this profound Lenten lesson. I am journeying to Ireland to study with the Jungian Center of New York and the Benedictine monks of Glenstal Abbey, and then to visit dear friends a few hours north of there. I am grateful for this time of rest and renewal, for this time of increasing self-acceptance and diving into God’s love. You too here in Austin will also have a deepening time, a growth into greater self-acceptance and love-it’s just how Lent works. I look forward to seeing you on Palm Sunday as we come back together to walk into the week most Holy.
In the Love and Light of the Christ,
Rev. Anna
