March Madness!
Arguably the best tournament in sports started today. The men’s collegiate basketball storied Final Four tournament is one of the more anticipated and most viewed sporting contests in our country. People you know skipped work today just to watch 32 teams (and another 32 tomorrow) kick-off this bracket-busting spectacle in sports. It’s a good time.
But even as the best college basketball teams are sprinting toward the finish line over the next couple weeks, allow me to help you pause and remember something important: Life is not a sprint.
That’s one reason why we talk about “Lent” this time of year. Lent is the 40 days leading to Easter (we’re 30 days out today). We mark these 40 days to help us slow down a bit and reflect on our lives and our lives with God.
I was just talking to a friend of mine who said he has been sprinting at a frantic pace and desperately needs to slow down—somehow—but there is no end in sight. I told him what I tell you now… You don’t see an end in sight because there’s no end in sight! You might think, “when this, then this…” but let’s be honest. After this there will be more of that. There will be more busyness, more chaos, more need, more rush… It won’t end in this culture. So…
We need to take control of our rhythms of rest and reflection in the midst of THIS SEASON. Now. Not later. Now.
Build in margin this week.
Start a habit of reflection today.
Get on the floor and play with your children tonight.
Later isn’t good enough. Schedule it now.
Lent is about less… so we can experience more of God.
Lent is the 40 days before EASTER because EASTER is the event that changes everything. EASTER represents the grace of God you can’t earn… you can’t work for… you can’t achieve. It’s a gift from God. His generous sacrifice for your eternal benefit.
If you haven’t watched my short video about Lent, do so here.
Then, watch some basketball today. Play some basketball today. Play… pause… reflect.
Life is short, but it’s not a frantic, out-of-control sprint. God has done the heavy lifting. Walk with God.
Oh, and make sure you join me Sunday—8:30, 10, 11:30a & 6p—it will be a special day.
caleb
P.S.: Listen to recent messages here.
P.P.S.: Give to Mariners HB or our Step In Building campaign here.