Today is the first Sunday of Lent. The season of Lent began last week with Ash Wednesday and continues for the next 6 weeks. One of many words I have heard to describe this season is “Self-reflection.” I take this to mean this is a time to look at ourselves, not in a self-serving or narcissistic way, and not in a cerebral, philosophical way, but in an honest, confessional way.

Every morning I look in the mirror as I perform my morning routines. My immediate reaction is “Oh my. Where did you come from? What’s with all the wrinkles and bags? Where did your hair go? Damn you look old.” I see what is skin deep and my reactions range from “Oh well” to “Oh my God!”

reflectionI’m pretty sure the self-reflection of Lent goes beyond that. Fortunately. For me, during this season of Lent, I hope that self-reflection will involve recognizing my “self-distortions.”

To me it means to consider carefully the many ways I have distorted, complicated, and missed the point of the true meaning of my faith. Recognizing these distortions is the first step in moving toward something important, something more authentic. It is the season of Lent that can teach us what that “something important” is.

I hope to write something on most of the days of Lent. I will post them on my website, justenoughlight.com and on Facebook. Join me if you wish.