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A life in ruin and ashes We are now in the Christian season of Lent. I believe the word comes from the old Saxon word 'to lengthen'. In Spring we see the days lengthen and we begin to hope for better weather -- and perhaps even, for better health!An old devotion I read speaks about our life being like a book into which we write our own story about our life. Every day we start a new page. The old day is gone, completed -- so the next day we begin on a clean, new page. This can go on for a long time -- but, the ending is torn out of our hands! Death takes over our story book! That isn't the end for a Christian life-story though. All those pages are read by our God and God decides whether the story that was written so far -- long or short -- is worthy of preserving. God decides about our eternal life. God will not allow a precious story to become lost! Some of the stories God reads are 'happy endings'. Their author lived a happy and trouble-free life. God is pleased with such an author if they also contribute to the joy of others. Sometimes happy endings are also stories about great obstacles and suffering -- overcome, with God's help. Some of the stories are tragedies. The author is broken by life and cannot save themselves -- and they don't know where to turn -- God's mercy will decide their fate. Sometimes, the stories are 'horror stories'. The author caused others great suffering. We know from God's Word that they will be judged harshly. Sometimes the story is a terrible tragedy compounded with a story of horror and violence -- God's Grace will decide! -- Another story will seem the same at the outset, but even before the last paragraph is written, that author begins a new story on a fresh page, expressing remorse; asking for forgiveness; submitting to the judgement and justice of God ... and merciful God promises forgiveness to the penitent sinner -- Lent lasts about 40 days; that's about the length of time the BIble says, that Jesus took to sort out his Calling in the wilderness, during which time he was terribly tempted by Satan. Lent gives us time to reread our own life-story and to begin a new page with a story of greater honesty and about a closer relationship with God. -- We don't have to continue with the old story; continuing a life of ruin and ashes ... 'God allows U-turns'! That's why the book of life offers us a new page every day to write on. The old page is completed. Only God will read it. The Old Testament mentions a Book of the Covenant into which Moses wrote all the words of God -- take time to read some of the Old Testament -- especially Exodus 20. In the New testament, in Paul's letter to the Philppians, we read that there is indeed a book of life into which the names of the faithful are written. (Phil.4:3) And in the new time, when Chjrist will come again, those who have kept the words of prophecy offered in the Bible, will be blessed. (Rev.22:9) With these persons, we are to worship God and no one else. Lent is a time for self-examination -- but also a time to move ahead, into a new covenant relationship with God. God bless you, as you rewrite the story of your life, starting today. Amen
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