Clearing A Path

We're currently digging out from our second winter storm in less than a week. This may not seem like such a big deal to our friends living in northern climes, but around here there has been some big-time freak-out going on. In preparation for Snowpocalpyse I & II,  people have descended upon the grocery stores like doomsday preppers, grabbing every last gallon of milk and roll of toilet paper. Now that the snowfall has subsided, the shoveling has begun.

I'm one of those people that doesn't mind shoveling snow. In fact, I kind of enjoy it. Not only does it provide a bit of a work-out, but there's a great sense of satisfaction when I've completed the task. (My 16 year-old son doesn't have the same internal motivation, but he did manage to make $85 today clearing our neighbor's driveways.)

As I've spent considerable time shoveling out over the last several days, I've been pondering our Lenten theme at Holy Cross. During this Lenten season, we're considering the importance of creating space and time in our lives for an intentional encounter with God. Our lives are constantly buried with demands, obligations, desires, and constraints that prevent us from living the life that God intends. The season of Lent calls us to engage in some counter-cultural practices that intentionally create space and time for an encounter with God that can lead to missional living. However, this shouldn't be limited to the 40 days leading up to our celebration of Easter. This is our daily call.

At Holy Cross, we've identified four Vital Signs of a missional faith and life: Worship, Christ-like Community, Generosity, and Service. The habits and practices that strengthen these Vital Signs all create space in which we can respond to three questions:

What is God up to?
What does God want to do?
How are we being called to participate in God's mission?

These questions can only be answered when we create the space to encounter God in prayer, scripture reading, worship, and conversation with one another. When that happens, our hearts begin to beat with God's own heart.

As you clear off your driveways and sidewalks, give consideration to the things in your life that need to be cleared away for an encounter with the living God. Blessed shoveling!