Missed the perfect start? Lent is about the journey

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If you’re anything like me, Ash Wednesday feels like it was about 40 days ago. But, surprisingly, we’re only a little ways into Lent.

I’ve been sick for the last couple of weeks, and all of my Lenten aspirations quickly fell by the wayside amid sleepless nights, a lack of exercise and an upset stomach.

How’s it going for you?

Maybe you started with big plans for prayer, fasting and almsgiving, but things haven’t gone quite the way you expected. Maybe your fasts have fizzled quicker than you hoped, your prayer time has been inconsistent, or life has simply gotten in the way.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, it’s never too late to begin again.

If your Lent hasn’t looked the way you envisioned, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means you’re human. Lent isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s a season of conversion, a time to turn our hearts back to God.

And maybe, the Lord wants to meet me, and you, right where we are instead of where we think we should be from the fruits of our Lenten sacrifices.

So instead of giving up or feeling discouraged, take a deep breath and start fresh today.

Pick one small, intentional way to refocus your heart. Maybe it’s setting aside five minutes for prayer, offering up a daily sacrifice, or finding a moment to reflect on God’s presence in your day. Every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to Christ.

Lent is a journey, not a test. No matter where you are on that journey, there’s still time to grow, to pray and to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus.

Keep going — he’s walking with you.