I don't know what's so different about this year. Maybe it's simply being married, the learning more about myself through the constant and immediate reflection (or deflection) that comes from having my wife close at hand. Maybe it's a culmination of all my changing relationships, or the increasing tension that seems to come from our collectively having no time to nurture them the way we'd really like to. Maybe it's just my attitude... towards church, towards people, towards God, towards work. I'm not sure.

Yet as I venture into the Christian season of Lent this year, I am sure of one thing: I'm in an entirely different place. I have been looking forward to this season, I think, more than I ever have before, and I really don't know why. I mean, I wrote the song I posted a few days ago as I literally looked forward into Lent. That's got to say something. But I can't find the words to share where I am, where I was, or what I even mean.

What I would like to share is what I woke up thinking about this morning, which is rooted in Revelation 3.13-22. When you read these verses (and please do before you read my reflections below), you'll recognize a few lines you've probably had plucked out and hurled at you before. But taken in its entirety, the passage has far more to say than what I've typically heard people say about it... things like, "God's getting tired of your antics" or "get on fire fo' God!"

In any case, I jotted down a series of brief reflections on this passage a few weeks ago as part of a centering prayer group I've been participating in. And this morning, I woke up feeling compelled to pass them on. Perhaps there's something here for you, and perhaps there isn't. Suffice it to say, these are simply my reflections on God's word, which, for the record, is good enough just the way it is. Blessings.

Learn to whisper.

Learn to listen for the whispers that are what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

I know ALL of your works, says the Lord.

Earnest repentance does not arise from guilt or judgment,
but rather from wanting God's way more than my own.

Look, I stand at the door knocking -
Come in, Lord.

There are many knocks and many noises on the other side of the door;
not only must we hear the knock, but we must also recognize the voice.

--kory // www.korywilcox.com