Now that the 40 days of Lent are over and we are in the 50 days of Easter, I find my heart reflecting upon the profound words of Elizabeth Hamilton that seem to succinctly characterize my journey over the past two years: “Your life has been one long lent.” She wrote these words against a backdrop of persistent illness and pain. Elizabeth Hamilton‘s words have served as a poignant reminder of the trials and unexpected challenges in searching for God’s provision in the wilderness that is my life in recent years – especially when life has also seemed like one long lent.
So my life that has been one long lent has included two possible cancer situations within two years. But through it all, I held onto hope in God. Two years ago, a crucial head and neck MRI ruled out malignancy in an area of concern from my neurologist. And more uncertainty just a few months ago. A seemingly innocuous tickle in my throat which I had ignored. But during a routine dental appointment, my dentist expressed grave concerns about my vocal cords. This unexpected turn of events turned into a visit to the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor and an immediate biopsy of my throat. Thankfully, the biopsy returned benign. I could not help but question what the Lord was doing (or anything, if I’m being honest) in these last few years of my life.
Even in these times when life has been one long lent, it is possible to find hope, and renewed strength in the promise of the resurrection. As we celebrate the joyous and transformative season of Easter, I am reminded of the unparalleled power and eternal hope that our risen Lord brings into our lives.
When life feels like a never-ending lenten journey, it is only the God who conquered death and the grave that can bring resurrection life into our circumstances. It is true – as with a lot of things in life – we can’t have one without the other. I prefer the light and life of resurrection over the wilderness of lent. But how else will we know the full reliance of God for all of our needs without first being in the wilderness?
I even find myself reminding the Lord that I only packed for 40 days in the wilderness. Does He really know what He is doing with my life? Of course He does. I just have to remind myself of that in those times when I think that my life has been one long lent.
So as we rejoice in the triumphant victory of Easter and the transformative power of the risen Lord, may we hold fast to the hope and promise that He brings to our darkest of nights. The Lord is here to fill our lives with resurrection power! Let us hold fast to the joy and hope that the empty tomb offers us all.