If your journey is indeed a pilgrimage, a soulful journey, it will be rigorous.
~Phil Cousineau
When it comes to spiritual practice, I want lots of affirmation so I know I am on the right track. If I'm going to put in the time and effort, I expect a payoff like I'm not so easily triggered when someone sends me a nasty email. Or I offer hospitality when I'm in my hermit mode. Or, or, or. When I commit to the rigor of discipline, shouldn't there be evidence of God's work in my life?
Soulful journey requires a determination to a long-haul commitment to follow Jesus, no matter the visible fruit. Sometimes I think we expect too much from ourselves, or really, if I am honest with myself, not enough. I try for a while, then give up because I grow weary. Or get discouraged because I'm writing the exact same complaints in my journal as I did in 2009.
What did Bonhoeffer say about the cost of discipleship? I want to forget. Oh, yeah, there it is. It costs us everything.
So, back to the rigors of Lent. I continue in my fast. I continue in my spiritual practice. I offer myself and hope for transformation. But if none comes, with the Spirit's help, I will keep my eyes set upon the One who transforms.
Be Thou My Vision, "Joy Comes in the Morning," May 22-25, 2018.
Pilgrimage to Lindisfarne and Iona, "Beyond These Shores," Sept. 2-12, 2018.