Digging deeper wells

By Charles Christian

An old farm saying goes something like this: “The sweetest water comes from deep wells.”

Starting with Ash Wednesday, Christians have entered into the season of Lent. Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter. The journey through Lent involves a deepening of our walk with God. This is often done through fasting (refraining from certain foods or activities) to devote more time to prayer and service. It is also done through added times of prayer, reflection and sacrificial giving in the service of God and others.

Although Lent is more reflective and introspective, it is not necessarily dreary or dark. Although part of the journey through the 40 days of Lent involves reflecting on the suffering of Christ and of others in our world, that reflection and the added devotion that is part of the journey allows us to dig deeper wells in our own lives.

In other words, Lent helps us reprioritize our lives in such a way that a deeper and more compassionate version of ourselves emerges. The transformation that comes from self-denial, increased devotion and increased service to those in need allows us to grow in our faith so that we can more fully appreciate and celebrate the resurrection of Christ that is commemorated on Easter Sunday.

As the old saying reminds us, digging deeper into the mercy and compassion of God can produce not only a sweeter disposition from us but also a deeper and more meaningful life. This life is the life we were created to live, no matter the circumstances around us. It starts by setting aside these special 40 days and allowing the ways of God to replace self-centered ways. It’s a challenging journey, but the waters are much sweeter.