"What is the connection between our moms and the season of Lent," I asked my colleague and friend Flower Pearson? Here's what she had to say: "I'm lucky enough to have annual visits from my mum. Before she arrives I prepare; I clean, I dump as many commitments as I can, clearing my calendar to make space and time to anticipate her arrival.
We spend time doing things I wouldn't normally do - museums, galleries and scenic walks. We talk when I'm cleaning, shopping, when I get up and before I go to bed.
When she leaves life feels like a house after the Christmas decorations have been put away.
Emptier, gloomier but slightly more spacious and I choose what to return to its place.
She's in my thoughts; I call her more, I pray for her more. Over the months things slip back.
Life becomes cluttered and phone calls lessen in frequency.
I really start to miss her. That's usually when she calls to tell us when she will return.
Jesus visits us for Lent. I prepare, I make space to spend time and money I would usually use for other things. I excuse myself and focus on Jesus. I love to be 'gathered under his wings as a hen gathers her chicks' but I know this level of commitment can't continue. When the time comes that I miss his presence and find myself busy, and too distracted to allow his presence in my life, it's nearly Lent again. Thank God!"
