Ash Wednesday (Erin Jean Warde)
Lent asks us to acknowledge our mortality, and in doing so, I think it is asking me to reflect on what I will leave behind me when I go.
Ash Wednesday
For months I’ve been thinking about my desire for a more minimalist life, which I knew would make for a great Lenten discipline. I’ve spent the past few weeks thinking about this Lent practice specifically.
But today, hearing these words proclaimed made it all come full circle:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
—Matthew 6:19-21
And of course — of course — Ash Wednesday would give me the verse I need, because one sentiment is at the heart of all the different reasons I want to reflect on minimalism: my desire for a life I treasure.
Lent asks us to acknowledge our mortality, and in doing so, I think it is asking me to reflect on what I will leave behind me when I go. Legacy, sure. But also quite literally…
What’s worth being in my home, in my possession, the day I breathe my last?
What’s worth carrying around with me everywhere I go?
And, if I were to release some things, what treasures might take up the empty space?
How might the freedom of less invite me to give in such a way that someone else experiences a life they treasure just like me?
I know this might seem like an obvious connection, but today in church, it felt like scripture told me I am on the right path. Because it is worth my time to imagine a treasured life for myself, and a treasured life for everyone else, too.
Love y’all,
EJW
Minimalism-Starting this week!
Over in the paid community I’m going to begin a series of reflections during the season of Lent on minimalism. I’m hoping to explore…
Interior clutter — My attention & more
Spiritual calling to minimalism — What’s going on in my soul with this? What’s inspiring me to think about this for Lent?
Digital minimalism — the age old reflection on my relationship with social media
Everyday minimalism — trying to change my thinking in small ways
Minimalism in relationship to community — How does this connect to my desire to care for my community?
And whatever epiphanies and thoughts that come my way during the process
While this is for my paid community, if the price is a barrier, I will happily gift you a paid membership for this series! I know the struggle of finances and don’t want this to be a barrier to anyone’s reflection.
I’m really excited to be diving into this and can’t wait to reflect with y’all in community! <3
Reclaiming Our Faith: Seeking God Through Creativity — March 5, 2024 (Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.)
I’m so excited to be speaking at Washington National Cathedral as part of their Lenten program. If you’re in the DC area, I’d love to see you! I can’t wait to pray & explore creativity together!
Lent can be a daunting time, urging us to reflect on our shortcomings and revealing painful experiences with faith, God, the Church, and the world. Join us as we seek a deeper relationship with God and faith through creativity and the creative process. We’re invited in this season to be brave, vulnerable, and reclaim our faith through creativity. We will explore our relationship with God and faith with our guests through the mediums of visual art, music, poetry, writing, and imagination.
Please note: Register if you’d like to have dinner as part of the program. If not, you can just show up for the lecture!
Use Discerning Sobriety Course for Lent
If you observe Lent, consider being guided by my course — Discerning Sobriety — for this season. You will get an email every day for 40 days, based on when you sign up.
Maybe you want to give up alcohol for Lent — this course offers insight as you take a break from alcohol for spiritual reasons.
Maybe your Lenten discipline is just to bring mindfulness into your relationship with alcohol — this course is a great way to do that!
Maybe you have a group who wants to give alcohol up for Lent together or explore mindfulness around alcohol together — reach out and let’s discuss group rates!
If this course feels financially impossible for you right now, please respond to this email and we will figure it out. <3
I’m excited to reflect more on all the minimalisms. It’s an ongoing challenge and yearning for me.