Hold the tension

Lent is a season of promise….we walk the path of Lent trusting that it leads to the promise of the Cross. For most of us, as we walk, we feel tugs and pulls … invitations to become new or different in some way. There are steps along the way when we experience tension.

Tension reveals the gap between our desire/will/hope and what is actually going on. The more we resist reality the greater the tension, like a game of tug of war. Tension may be relieved when we move towards reality (or in some cases, simply set down our side of the issue). However, staying with situations or experiences that create tension may be the better way.

Take some time to identify some areas of tension that are meeting you. Try a personal situation – walk through the process of either moving toward the reality or setting down your personal investment in the situation. If you choose to stay with it in the point of tension, pray WITH it....ask: How might God be seeing this? How might God be seeing me as I am in this situation?

Now…what about some aspect of where and how God is calling you to transformation? How do you cope with any tension that invitation produces. Do you usually move towards it, resist it, or....simply set down your side of the "conversation?" Try to stay WITH the tension and allow transformation to occur while you are with it. (Often this results in some sort of inner movement of growth, or awareness that affects what we do, think or feel.)

Lent is about transformation. As you experience a pull or tug (approach avoidance)toward a tender or tense asect of your life, trust that God’s hand is supporting you. Breathe in the promise and freedom of God’s mysterious and infinite wisdom about who you are and how you are…and all that you are to be.