Traditions of Old

I appreciate the way traditional churches have kept up with traditions that are meant to be seasonal reminders, set times, built into our schedules to turn our hearts back to God. Biblically I see this was originally established by God in the Old Testament. The first tradition I can think of that God established was the seventh day, a holy day of rest. He Himself rested and established this day as one mankind was to observe also. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God." There were festivals and other holy days that were established throughout history. These were days set to bring us into remembrance of all the Lord had done. We have these dedicated times to remember because we have a tendency to forget. 

Over the years many people and church bodies have turned their backs on these route traditions because somewhere along the way they saw people relying on traditions instead of the God of the tradition. In an effort to remain authentic and free, they cast off the ways of old. How many times I have seen this over correction. A well-meaning effort that throws the proverbial baby out with the bath water. We are left with a generation of very few sacred traditions. In fact, the traditions we often celebrate are more cultural than holy. But I'll leave that thought for another time. 

I desire opportunities to confess sin, to worship without constraint, to fast and pray, to be reminded that I am connected to a very large group of people who believe in the one true God and have done so for many, many years. I have been grafted into a family, a royal priesthood and long to adopt the ways of old. I am learning, in my mature years, that there is freedom in boundaries and there is beauty in tradition. Something my younger self could not accept. 

My understanding is that Lent begins today, Ash Wednesday and lasts through Easter. It is a 40 (ish) day period set aside to focus on God. People typically choose to fast from or focus on something in particular to them. In prayerful consideration of this I am choosing to fast, if you will, from man's approval and focus on God's approval. This is something I struggle with on a regular basis and my hope is that this will stay at the forefront of my mind during these upcoming 40 days. 

Today I am thankful for new mercies. I thank God for shifting my perspective constantly and returning my wandering heart to Him time and time again. No doubt, this cycle will never end. But, praise God, He is faithful when I am not. Today I choose to step aside and see about this Lent season and look with curiosity and wonder at the people who observe it. May the Lord use this time to bring many wandering hearts and minds back to Himself.