“Life comes at you fast.” The Nationwide commercials make me laugh. But they also convict me of my lapses in planning. Somehow, even holidays sneak up on me. Christmas … December 25th every year. Really? Why is that so hard to be ready for?
Easter, though, will be different for me this year. Not the purchase of chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and a new dress, but it’s my soul that I intend to better prepare. The celebration of Christ’s resurrection remains central to our faith. When I walk through the doors of CPC on April 24th, I long for my heart to embrace the miracle of His sacrifice and grace and mercy!
But, how?
I cannot slow the pace of northern Virginia in order to prepare. I can, however, adjust the pace at which I take it. I want to savor and absorb every minute. In her book, When The Heart Waits, Sue Monk Kidd writes:
“Many times we starve our souls, although we wouldn’t dream of starving our bodies. Or we offer them only shallowness — a spiritual ‘junk food.’ The soul craves experiences that offer it the rich depths of God. Silence, solitude, holy leisure, simplicity, prayer, journaling, the Eucharist, rituals that touch the space of Mystery, symbols and images, the Bible, laughter, delight in the divine Presence, deep encounters with creation, and the merciful coming together of human hearts. All these feed the soul, producing energy for living the transformed life.”
One of my steps of preparation will be to spiritually feast at the Stations of the Cross. The Student Ministry will set-up the prayer walk for all to use beginning Wednesday, March 9. Located throughout the first floor of the CPC building, the eight stations depict Jesus’ final hours on this earth. Station One is in the Lobby. Each station includes scripture, a pictorial representation, and a prayer reflection. The stations creates space for meditation on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for each of us.
Consider bringing your own Bible and spend as long as you’d like at each station. Some stations even have original art as interpreted by our students. I think I’ll bring my journal, too. If the sanctuary is available following my prayer walk, I’ll be in there writing my passions to our Lord.
The Stations also include reflections for children. They mirror the meditations for the adults and teens, however, the wording allows our younger sons and daughters to experience the story of Christ’s final walk in more child-like tellings. Parents should read the meditations to their children then talk through the follow-up questions and pray together.
The Stations are available for your use whenever the building is open. Consult the website for building hours.
I plan to pause in the busyness of life and pray the Stations weekly this Lent season. Won’t you pull up a figurative chair and join me to feed our souls?
I hope to share the table with you.
(Easter 2011)
Posted by Sharon R Hoover
