Forty Days: Day One

With Ash Wednesday comes the Lenten season. Aside from the usual fasting from coffee, chocolates, or Facebook, I have decided to also do more of prayer, pondering, and preparation.  It is a good time to do so because I am once more standing on the precipice, about to jump, to follow my heart, and start a new life.

I began the practical aspects of my journey a long time ago - planning for two years, working on it for the last two months.  But my inner journey is also ongoing, and I have a good spiritual director to walk with me.

Yesterday I was only supposed to give an update from our last session and also go to confession.  But perhaps to prepare for this season of grace, I was asked to open up for more, with kindness, compassion, and gentleness.

I have been asked to ponder on God's goodness and love for me.

For He has been good to me, even when I was unfaithful.  He never left my side.  He guided my steps.  He protected me from harm.  He answered my prayers.  He provided for all my needs, and more.

I have been asked to pick a Psalm to pray with.  I choose Psalm 43:5 this afternoon.

Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God. (ESV)

Another version reads:

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (RSV)

And so goes the first day of the next 40 days.