Clocks, watches, I-pads, Kindles, Mobile Phones all record time.  Even the pictures we take and the texts we send are marked with the time sent and the time delivered.  So often we talk about not having enough time.  There are countless stories of seniors lamenting that they did not take enough time for... fun? Their children?  Exercise?  Relationships?  Prayer?  Bible Study?  You name it; we spend time; we squander time; we count time; we take time out.  There are scores of phrases that include time.  (on line the Free Dictionary lists well over 200 phrases and idioms connected with time.)  . 

When Jesus said that the time is fulfilled.  Did those who heard it shout for joy that he and what they had been waiting for had finally arrived?  Or, did they turn away thinking somehow that they were not prepared... that their time had run out?

As  you read this week's musings, you may be preparing for Ash Wednesday or perhaps you have already been marked with the ashy cross.  We are stepping into a time of repentance, reflection and renewal.  In Lent we are encouraged to devote time and energy to the disciplines of Lent as outlined in Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21... prayer, fasting and almsgiving.   

In years past it was popular to discuss with others what we were "giving up" for Lent.. a time of denying ourselves something prized... perhaps a guilty pleasure. Then we experience great relief when Easter Sunday comes and chocolate or other decadence is returned to the table. In my college days, I visited a Czech community where all the youth were urged to give up dancing for Lent.   On Easter Sunday evening a big community party was held. All the young people rushed into one another's arms to sashay around the dance floor while their elders smiled and laughed recalling their own youthful relief when Lent was over.

In recent years many have taken time for their Lenten disciplines to "pay it forward" ... to take on a cause... to save money for a cause close to their hearts.  Is prayer, fasting and almsgiving an act of "giving up something to remind ourselves of our flaws"  or is it a promise of  "paying God's love and grace forward"?  As we begin this season of contemplation and recognition of God's gift of forgiveness, may the kingdom of God be good news to ourselves and those with whom we spend our time.

Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you.  Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen  (ELW, those seeking deeper knowledge of God)