The Next Moment

 

“We have to recognise that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.” ~ Cornell West

Ever wonder why the moment a commitment is agreed upon, everything else seems to happen at once? The moment a credit card can be paid off, the water heater goes out.  The moment a new relationship is formed, a former crush reveals their true feelings.  Temptation to eat the juiciest, tenderest piece of marinated meat will come just after a Daniel Fast starts.  The first gut reaction may be a form of regret while vividly imagining the alternate course.  Ultimately, contentment, satisfaction and/or acceptance of the consequences of the decision will be a guide, serving as a reminder of exactly why the choice was originally made.

In preparation of Lent, when planning to give up (or establish) a habit, it may be good to keep in mind that temptations do occur.  While we only hear about the final temptation 40 days and nights in, the true test starts at the confession for baptism.  The newness of the walk has not even worn off yet and Jesus is thrust into a major life changing moment.  Everything is good - we feel great about our decisions.  Then starts the first hunger pangs after a few missed meals or the shirt you’ve been coveting for weeks finally goes on sale. These are actually more difficult because they can knock you off track before you even get settled into the new routine.  In the 1800s, the first miles of the Underground Railroad were difficult to traverse, especially after committing to walk so many miles, but the promise of freedom (or perhaps the strict reminder of death before surrender), outweighed that desire to turn back.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, Paul writes to the church in Corinth, “Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (NRSV). This first church, that was doing stellar in its attempts to maintain the commitment, needed some encouragement to continue – and they had a real life disciple!  If only some of them could see how wide spread Christianity had become from their efforts then.  We, likewise, have to remember to stay grounded; the decision was made for a reason, probably strategically with an earnest thirst, sincere thought and sound mind.

Consider gathering quotes, scriptures, pictures or keepsakes that will remind you of the goal for your Lenten journey (or life’s goals).  Use them as a reminder that when temptation sets in, there is always something to keep you focused.