Monday, March 8

by Rod Frohman

For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. II Corinthians 4:17-18

My cousin through marriage is Marjorie Thompson author of Soul Feast. Her book is a good read for Lent. In it she suggests that the way the spiritual life is put together by, "developing a rule of life."

The rationale is this, "When it comes to spiritual growth, human beings are much like creeping vines and rambling roses. Without support they collapse into a heap on the ground. We need structure in order to give us freedom to grow as we are meant to. What we need is a rule of life. This is a pattern of spiritual disciplines that provide structure and direction for growth."

Marjorie cites several examples of personal rules such as: taking time to pray, read, meditate, advocate, engage in service, exercise, or sacrifice personal desires in order that others might be free. All of these involve choices. Lent can be a time to create a structure on which the fruits of our lives can grow.

Holy God may our own lives be a school for your service for preserving justice and correcting faults. May we not fear a rule of faith for our life but rather find therein freedom and salvation.