Longing For Home

After a cold snap that dropped 40 degrees the best alternative for President’s Holiday was to stay home and fire up Google. I have never been a good example of one who observes Lent through fasting or sacrifice, but this year I thought I could at least try a study for Lent. With only two days left before Ash Wednesday and no Amazon Prime, the study needed to be on-line.

I had to chase several leads, but ultimately think I struck gold. I found a program sponsored by the United Church of Canada named "Longing for Home" The plan incorporates the traditional printed book/ebook with a host of technology and social media props. YouTube is utilized to start a conversation, which is then carried over to Facebook for discussion, and by the end of the week encourages a meal for one-on-one community.  The interactions thus far have been more than I hoped.

I made the mistake of reading before I went to bed. After poems, reflections, questions, and recipes, my mind was stimulated and longing for more. I visited donteatalone.blogspot.com who intentionally writes daily during Lent, whose words just increased the appetite. Followed by concordpastor.blogspot.com who had a spot-on prayer. 

That’s when it struck me - home for me, is words. I am drawn, fed, awakened, consoled and embraced through words. As a prodigal, who longs for home, if I am to approach, it will be through words.

When deciding an action for Lent, rather than considering what could be given up, the concentration should be “Will this bring me closer to God? (Sister Tracy Dugas) 

Beyond reading I intend to piece together words on my side as well. I know the blessings and the commitment involved, which has kept me quiet for some time, but if the question to be answered is “Will this bring me closer to God?” Past experiences can only point towards the affirmative.

I am coming home.