Throughout history, God has given his people signs. Our season of Lent offers us God's sign that it is time to stop the ordinary routines of our lives, create some desert space, and listen more attentively for God to reveal his presence. We are asked to unplug from our attachments, compulsions, obsessions, addictions, routines, and busyness to clear the slate and take stock in who we have become.
We are asked to remember the ancient sign of God's covenant with humanity in which he vowed to nurture, sustain, and protect the relationship he has with his people. Once we slow down a bit and clear away some of the clutter, we can see how the journey of our life is unfolding. We can see what brings us in and out of tune with God's love and how we can better imitate God's loving fidelity in our relationship with him. Even though some good solid self-denial is the order of the day, greater happiness and wholeness will be the fruit of our labors. Pleasant journey through the desert!