Lent 2023

A.D.D. does Lenten preparation!

I saw it out of the corner of my eye, a house sitting neglected on an overgrown lot. I almost missed it because I was rushing down the road. Something, or someone, caused me to look to my left, and I pulled over.

I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.

It was a two-story home built with care, it seemed, but vines and branches - like envy and old wounds - shrouded its beauty. I couldn’t tell how long it had taken, but nature was overtaking the place. Weeds - like insecurity and distrust - were overtaking the walkway and crawling up the stairs.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

A lamppost and mailbox stood by the side of the road suggesting a long-ago presence, but the box was empty and the lamp dark.

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.

It’s not too late, I thought to myself. It just needs some attention. I imagined what it would look like if the weeds were pulled and the lawn was mown. I tried to picture the place with the vines stripped away – taking away everything that stood in the way of the home’s original beauty, the false from the true, if you will.

I came that you might have life and have it abundantly.

A fresh coat of paint would be needed, I thought, and some minor repairs, too, but none of that could happen until the weeds and vines were gone.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone; the new is here!

It will take work, I thought, but the house is worth it. The problem is the neglect, not the home. So, I opened the door, rolled up my sleeves, and started to do the work.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Let the one who has ears to hear, hear, and may we all have a holy Lent.