The season of Lent is a journey.

A journey to the foot of the cross at Calvary…and to the heart of Jesus.

Years of working in retreat ministry has shown me that more than anything, women long for a daily encounter with God. Whatever form that may take, the desire to connect with the Divine is a major driver in a woman’s spiritual journey. A retreat presenter recently urged, “Don’t ever be satisfied with where you are with God at this moment. Always desire something deeper.”

Reaching for that “something deeper” can be a real challenge. Today’s woman is pulled in a million different directions. Always on the go, we are doers and nurturers. This hectic pace can make if very difficult to listen for the voice of God.   Women need TIME! We need quiet. We need a safe, sacred space, free from distraction. We need to stand still long enough to be found.  Only then can we take up our cross once again and resume the journey.

When my son started middle school, he had a hard time dealing with the stress of a demanding academic schedule. He was a serious student and became easily stressed out and overwhelmed by the amount of homework he had. When I saw him getting anxious, I would suggest that we take a Quiet Moment. He would lay on his bed with the lights off and play a soft piece of music on his iPod. It only took about 5 minutes, but it did a great job of calming him down, restoring him, and helping him get back to work.

To get the most out of this Lenten season, I urge you to follow my son’s example and take a Quiet Moment every day. Sit in a comfortable spot. Listen to some soft music. Give yourself totally and completely to the quiet, the stillness, and the promise of the Risen Lord. If you can only spare a few minutes, that will be enough.

The season of Lent is a journey. May your journey be blessed as you find that “something deeper” in the loving arms of our merciful God.

I’d love to hear from you! Use the comments section below to share your plans for this Lenten season.