A Gift for the Soul

Mar 6

Friends, I wanted to share something special with you today—something that refreshed my spirit in the most beautiful way. My spiritual coach, Geneviève Kroeker, has been such a blessing in my life. We meet monthly, and every time we do, I leave feeling like I just took the deepest inhale and exhale. It’s a moment of pause, a reset, and a reminder of what truly matters.

Today, she shared an email with me that resonated deeply. It was a simple yet powerful rhythm for refocusing, repenting, and renewing our relationship with God. Though I’m not Catholic, I’ve always believed that we can draw wisdom from all Christian traditions to deepen our faith. This practice, rooted in reflection and spiritual renewal, blessed my heart—and I’m starting it today.

I wanted to pass it along to you in case your soul needs a fresh wind, too. Here it is:

Lent starts with Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025), a 40-day season of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading up to Easter. Rooted in early Christian traditions, it reminds us of our mortality and need for God’s grace. We have 2,000 years of Christian tradition to draw from!

During Ash Wednesday services, worshipers receive a cross of ashes on their forehead with the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” (Mark 1:15). Many observe the day through fasting, prayer, confession, and committing to a Lenten practice—either giving something up or adding a spiritual discipline.

Historically formalized by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, Ash Wednesday remains widely observed across Christian traditions as a time of reflection and renewal, inviting us to draw closer to Christ.

I’ve compiled a general list of possible practices—these won’t all apply to you, and that’s okay. Instead of seeing this as a checklist, I encourage you to read through the list and pay attention to the ONE thing you are drawn to for this year’s 40-day journey.

Lent is an invitation to step outside your usual ways of connecting with God, drawing closer to Him in fresh, meaningful ways. So beyond just avoiding sweets, here are some ways to embrace this season with intention:

1. Deepen Your Prayer Life:

• Try a new prayer practice – Lectio Divina, the Examen, or fixed-hour prayers.

• Set aside intentional silence each day to listen for God’s voice. Start with 2 minutes, and then increase as you can. When your mind wanders, come back to your favorite name for God.

• Pray for someone new each day—friends, family, world leaders, or those in need. (I’m praying for people I find hard to love)

• Memorize one Psalm or passage of Scripture and meditate on it daily.

2. Fast with Purpose:

Fasting isn’t just about food—it’s about letting go of distractions and dependencies to make more space for God.

• Take a digital detox: Cut back on social media, TV, or unnecessary screen time.

• Sacrifice convenience: Choose to walk instead of drive when possible, take the longer line, or opt for handmade over instant—embracing small inconveniences as a spiritual discipline.

• Silence the noise: Create intentional space for stillness by turning off background music, podcasts, or constant chatter, allowing God’s voice to be heard more clearly.

• Simplify meals: Eat more simply to reflect on reliance on God and give to those in need.

3. Give Generously (Almsgiving):

Lent calls us to love our neighbors in tangible ways:

• Give money to a cause that supports the poor, persecuted, or marginalized.

• Volunteer your time—serve at a shelter, mentor someone, or check on an elderly neighbor.

• Practice hospitality—invite someone over for a meal or write letters of encouragement.

• Forgive someone—release grudges as an act of spiritual generosity.

4. Focus on Scripture & Spiritual Growth:

• Read a Lenten devotional (like one from N.T. Wright, Henri Nouwen, or the Renovaré Institute).

• Walk through Jesus’ journey to the cross in the Gospels.

• Study a book of the Bible deeply, journaling your reflections.

• Practice Sabbath—set aside time for rest and renewal with God.

5. Embody Lent in Daily Life:

• Slow down—embrace simplicity, be present, and reject hurry.

• Seek reconciliation—repair a broken relationship if possible.

• Let go of control—Surrender the need to plan, fix, or manage everything, and trust God more deeply in the unknown.

• Pay attention to where God is moving—watch for the Spirit’s work in everyday moments.

Lent isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. Ask yourself: What is the one thing God is inviting me into this season? Then, take a small step of obedience, trusting that He will meet you there. I’d love to hear what speaks to you!

I pray this encourages you as much as it did me. If you feel led, join me in walking through this rhythm in the days ahead. Let’s refocus, repent, and renew—because no matter where we are in our faith journey, God is always inviting us closer.

xo,