Lent starts tomorrow. For some denominations it's not a big deal. For the "High Church" folks - and Methodists - it is a big deal.
My understanding is that Lent (the six weeks prior to Easter) is a time for introspection. It's the time to think about relationships. Christianity is a relationship religion.
How important are relationships? Mostly because of the way I grew up, I've felt lonely much of my life. But I'm in good company. Jesus had the same issue.
New York Times columnist, David Brooks, has written a new book called The Social Animal. Here's a quote from Newsweek about the book:
...In essence, The Social Animal is a book about the human need for connection, friendship love...all of us are caught up in ..."the loneliness loop." We yearn for "community"; we have "the urge to merge." When two people are having an intense conversation, their breathing synchronizes; laughing together creates a feeling joy; soldiers drilling in unison experience a surge of power. What drives us ultimately, is the need to be understood by others.
I believe this.
One of my favorite writers, Jan Richardson, in her book "In the Sanctuary of Women," says that our three basic needs are for food, security and love.
I believe this as well.
***
My understanding is that Lent (the six weeks prior to Easter) is a time for introspection. It's the time to think about relationships. Christianity is a relationship religion.
How important are relationships? Mostly because of the way I grew up, I've felt lonely much of my life. But I'm in good company. Jesus had the same issue.
New York Times columnist, David Brooks, has written a new book called The Social Animal. Here's a quote from Newsweek about the book:
...In essence, The Social Animal is a book about the human need for connection, friendship love...all of us are caught up in ..."the loneliness loop." We yearn for "community"; we have "the urge to merge." When two people are having an intense conversation, their breathing synchronizes; laughing together creates a feeling joy; soldiers drilling in unison experience a surge of power. What drives us ultimately, is the need to be understood by others.
I believe this.
One of my favorite writers, Jan Richardson, in her book "In the Sanctuary of Women," says that our three basic needs are for food, security and love.
I believe this as well.
***
