I recently learned that the word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon words lencten, meaning "Spring," and lenctentid, which means "Springtide" and also was the word for March. I believe that just as spring is a time for new growth, Lent is a time when we can prepare for new growth and unforeseen possibilities, so that our faith can blossom in fresh ways as we experience, anew, the joy of Christ’s resurrection.

I once wrote a poem entitled “Renaissance,” which describes how we are out of touch with the new life that surrounds us during the spring season. Part of that poem states, “Spring means to us only new profits or expenses, and we do not sense the freshness in the air.” Are we ready to breathe in the new life of the Spirit—“the freshness in the air”--during this Lenten season, or are we too busy with “life” to even stop and take a deep breath? Let us pray for God’s help, that we might be filled with the breath of the Holy Spirit during this holy time. As Christ was, may we be ready for new life, so that we might be able to carry out the work God calls us to do.

- Stephanie Stover