Monday’s Lenten sermon given by Rob Renfroe had three main things we have to do to advance our relationship with Jesus.

1. Wanting – We have to want it. As Lent draws to an end, I have never felt so close to God. I want to stay here. I know that I can as long as I keep looking forward towards the horizon. Since I’m learning to recognize grace, blessings, and guidance so present – I’ve never wanted anything so much.

2. Waiting – To reconcile this in my mind I think about my garden. I try to plant vegetable seedlings as early as possible so they will be big and ready to transplant on the first possible planting date. I spend so much time doing this, I always forget about my flowers. So right now when I see all of the wonderful colors everywhere, and my seeds still haven’t sprouted, I know all I can do is wait. I don’t always follow the proscribed route to do things which often leads to self-inflicted waiting. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have no doubt that there will eventually be flowers. That is where faith comes in. God works on His own schedule. I am learning to be happy to wait.

3. Willing – I think it would be accurate to state that before this Lenten season I would have had a bit more trouble with this. I am willing. Whatever it takes. I want to go where He would have me go. I’m not sure when this penny dropped, but I feel it. I think maybe it’s the result of feeling so carried through this intense and difficult time.