I like all four seasons of the year. That’s why I live in Ohio. Each has beauty, character and unique activities. If there is one time of the year I dislike, it is Sprinter–the season between Winter and Spring. After the last snow melts, there is always a brown, chilly, dreary, wet season until the flowers bloom, the trees bud, and the earth begins it’s annual rebirth.

I like being a pastor. I am privileged to walk with Christian people in their joys and disappointments. I like to preach and teach. There are so many aspects of this calling that fascinate and fulfill me. That’s why I have been a pastor for all these years.

There is something I dislike–preaching about sin. I prefer to expound on love, grace, hope, salvation, and God’s holiness. We are currently engaged in a church-wide study of the seven deadly sins, and I am prepping a message on this Sunday’s sin du jour.

I like being a Christian. My sins are forgiven. Jesus is my friend who is closer than a brother. I have a high calling and a purpose. My heavenly reward is magnificent.

There’s something I dislike. From time to time, the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin. He calls me out for something in my life which displeases God and demands that I rid it from my life.

As I reflect, I realize that this yucky time of the year pretty well coincides with Lent. When Ash Wednesday rolls around, I think it’s about time that winter end. Yet, for a while longer it hangs around and produces cold, damp, dreary, windy days. About the time Easter comes, we see spring flowers begin to bloom as the earth enters full reawaken mode.

Lent is a good time for the yucky part of Christian living. What does God want me to give up–not for forty days but for the rest of my days? To what new spiritual discipline or ministry is God calling me?

It is important to know what the Bible teaches about sin, so I have an accurate measure of what God expects. If my only measures are my opinions and preference, I will probably be lost to wallow in practices God abhors. As much as I dislike Holy Spirit conviction, I need him to do that in my life. I also need him to lead me to higher ground through sanctifying grace.

I probably still won’t like Sprinter, but I can find joy and meaning in each day, and I might even appreciate the importance of this season in the God ordained annual climate cycle.

I invite you to join me in observing a holy Lent. What is God teaching you, what is God teaching me during this season? God, give us discernment and obedience.