Game Changer (02/24/2024)

Last evening, my son drove in from Milwaukee to see his uncle and aunt. We’re having a family gathering today, but he is unable to be here then. So, he came the day before. We decided to go out for the traditional Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry. True, it was snowing, but we weren’t worried. I had been nearly 60 the day before, so we figured the snow wouldn’t stick on the highways. We headed out, had a wonderful dinner and conversation, and then headed back home for more conversation and a movie. As my husband pulled into the driveway, my son who had gotten there from the restaurant moments before us, stood by the side of the car, warning us that it was very icy. This news was definitely a game changer.

 Suddenly, our demeanor changed. At our age, the last thing we need is a broken anything. Instead of getting out before the car entered the garage to allow extra room, my husband asked that we stay in the car until it was safely in the garage. Our usual mode of operation was no longer appropriate – the situation called for us to adapt for our own good.

The message of Lent is a game changer. “Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Christ came to reconcile us to the Father and to save us from sin and death. However, we are remiss as Christians if we don’t take to heart His teachings and example, His call to become the ones we are created to be, His call to turn away from sin and toward loving relationships with our LORD and one another. Throughout this season, Jesus’ message to us is amplified, there is an urgency in His words and in our willingness to hear them and truly turn. Will this Lenten season of 2024 be a game changer for any of us?

This Lent, as we journey to the empty tomb by way of Calvary, will we look not only what Jesus did for us but also of what He asks of us? As we approach Good Friday, will we spend time reflecting on what part of His suffering was due to what we’ve done or failed to do? This year, will we seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new approach to life in the footsteps of our loving Savior? Will we allow the message of Lent as well as the love that necessitated it to penetrate not only our minds and hearts but our will and souls?

Jesus’ words and example are before us always. This Lenten season, will we truly hear his loving message and seek to follow His example? Will we be different on Easter Sunday from the ones we were on Ash Wednesday?

It warrants consideration.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.

Thoughts? Questions? Requests? – katewiskus@gmail.com