Lenten Writing Project Reboot 2020! Writers' Reflections in the Wilderness of Lent
Words of Faith
Spirit to Spirit Writing Project
The word Lentcomes from an old English word meaning lengthening of days. In Christianity, it refers to the time before Easter, traditionally observed through repentance and learning. It's a season to be intentional about changing and growing. Some people give up items to create space and time for new life and habits to grow. Instead of giving something up, I invite you to try to commit to answering these writing prompts each of the 40 days of Lent. The discipline it takes to set aside time each day to reflect and write about God and your relationship with spirituality is a journey that you will emerge from with a renewed spirit. Every writer has their own special voice to add to this project, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists, or through comments, prayer, and encouragement.
How do I participate? Each day, a writing prompt will be posted. A prompt is a question or statement that is meant to inspire your thoughts in whatever genre you feel moved to write. Post your reflections as a comment under each day's prompt (for further instructions, see 'How To Post' on the right side of the page). It is up to you if you write, read, or pray along with us each of the 40 days of Lent or just drop in from time to time when the spirit moves you to participate. Writing regularly is a discipline that many writers struggle with and this is a way to involve that discipline as a Lenten practice. Through writing and leaving encouraging words for others in this project, we become a supportive spiritual writing community
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Dear 21-Year-Old You...
Lenten Writing Prompt #5
Write a letter to yourself as a young
adult. What were you struggling with about faith, about life? Was there something that you didn't realize when you were that age? What would you tell yourself?
At 21 I was very headstrong about how I interpreted the world and what I was going to do. I was safe and comfortable in my selection. It was 1967 in the maelstrom of Berkeley, Ca. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but I had no idea who to listen to and trust, and no practice in doing so. I was up in the eucalyptus forest in the hills of Oakland in a very simple and very sparse cabin that belonged to Mady Bacon, the director of the S.F. Boy’s chorus with whom I had been working. She somehow knew that I could do more and could be more than the security of the ministry would allow. She had asked me if I was continuing at Seminary and I said that I was. She said, “What a waste”. The door was open that day for me to take a second path with a kind and sure hand, but I was too frightened. Therein lies the tale.
Ah young fellow, in your ten years you’ve moved five times, a sixth looks soon. Friends must be ready to say goodbye, you’ve one who has not, a real boon. Your scouting skills started here, learning “Be Prepared”, does resonate. Church, school: havens of worship, learning, these Scatterer does hate.
Teen years bring a powerful shift, hormone driven action rises up. Five more moves occurred, at last at PLU’s cafeteria you did sup. Gathered ‘round a blessed constellation of life’s mentors; Roommates, pastors, professors, countless authors, a few active dissenters;
Twenty’s bring an English Lit. degree, a wife, Holy One’s call to ministry clear. Master of Divinity bestowed as a mark of learning, a hedge against sin’s fear. Our family vision begins, two offspring enter the picture, Stalwart Swedish-American Carol helps loosen life’s stricture.
Macksburg Lutheran first, later Zion Lutheran parishes asked my care. As a thirty-something year old I brought God’s hope and dare. Onto the high desert our family moved, adding two more children to the crew. An amazing sextet making life’s music, miracles, the decade flew.
Fashioner of Life moved the fortyish me from parish to therapist, chaplain work. Always engaged, life proceeded smoothly occasionally with a jerk. As a community resource, my practice brought truth to bear, Individuals, couples, families learned of gospel garments to wear.
Fifty’s brings an empty nest experience, young adult children off, To their life experiences brought back home, my thankful hat I doff. Friends of thirty years gather ‘round to celebrate life’s joys, Just enough resources to gather up a few of culture’s toys;
This last lap brought about orphan status, to parents said “Good Bye.” Hosted father and mother-in-law as they exerted their last try, Received amazing memories with our children’s children around, Fullness overflowing moved to family turf on Puget Sound.
Clearly blessing has flowed freely, forgiveness practiced apace. Rich stores of memories, shared events, Christ in every face. This four minute focus never lacks for wonders unwrapped. In fact the next moment might bring: eternity uncapped.
Dear Larry… OK that seems a bit formal but how do you do this?...this is the first time for me too…well…this is going to seem weird, to say the least, but this is a letter from …you…to you… from 38 years in the future….hold on...hold on..... I know it’s odd and a bit of a surprise but trust me you are going to be surprised a number of times in your life…and if I’m right many of the big surprises are from God. You’ll do ok kid,
Now, you already know…and I know even more …that you like to be surprised so far be it from me ‘ruin’ your life or any of the surprises…but humor me just a bit…. Two things….first, don’t worry so much, Jesus was right…enough said… you’ll figure out what this means….second and don’t tell anyone where you heard this…and I know it won’t mean anything to you for a number of years..but…buy Microsoft stock.
Ok Ok Ok I really need to stop…but one more thing….and you won’t understand this for a while either…. but thanks for taking the red pill and not the blue…it’s been an amazing ride…and it’s not over yet.
Dear self as 21 year old, you have much that is right. God has been good to you. You have struggled much already but there is much more struggle in the future. It is all good. Do not lose heart you walk with God! Deb Bengtson-Ahrendt
I'm not sure that I can do this exercise. Breathe.
When I was 21, I was sure of myself, confident in my faith, felt certain I could deal with whatever came my way. The truth of it was, I did. And I somehow don't think that it would have made a difference to tell myself those things that I now know.
Perhaps, because I only wish I'd learned it earlier, I would have encouraged the mystic even more. Would have encouraged myself to explore how science could expand my understanding of God. But I don't think I was ready. I bet Connie knew these things I now know, but I was no more ready to listen to her than anyone. And I don't know if I could have withstood any earlier the adversity that brought the growth.
I have trouble believing that if I had done things differently, or started some aspects of my spiritual journey earlier, that I would have been given the graces that have come my way now. And what I have just now is so sweet and precious to me, that my only longing would be to have had it earlier. That said,
Gloria,
Spend more time outdoors, learn a new way to pray, let the God of your childhood die, and be reborn bigger than you can imagine. Try new things, and in doing so listen to how those new things work inside yourself. Make time for your music. Learn to draw. Imagine more possibilities. Treasure your friends. Cultivate peace in your family. Learn to listen to your body. Learn to listen to your heart.
Be honest, and let the grief that marked your childhood be openly transformed in your living, so that you can truly move beyond it. Practice boldness more often by doing something you think you can't. Don't wait so long to say "yes" to that which beckons; say "no" sooner to that which causes pain. Expect to find help in the most unusual of places, and don't be stubborn about accepting it when offered.
"Right now" is a stupendously marvelous moment in your life. There will also be many more.
And, oh, so young! No doubt you have been through much. You've loved and lost friends. You've grieved at the unexpected passing away of family members. You know the heartbreak of young love and knowing men - boys, really - who were also too young for all the ups and downs of relationships. Though it may not seem like it, in 20 years you will long for the simplicity of 21.
You've just graduated from a very good university. You're both excited and uncertain. There are endless possibilities ahead and it's hard to see past the next few months. And it's nearly impossible to imagine you in 20 years.
So what can I give you? These words from Luke 1:30 - Do not be afraid. Do. Not. Be. Afraid. You've heard it so many times. It isn't just for Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
It is for you.
Put them in your heart. Keep them there. Hold them tight. Do not let go. Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid to speak up to the friend who speaks words of bigoted anti-blackness. It will be good for your soul. Your words might change a life even after the time for that friendship has passed. It is the right thing to do.
Do not be afraid to step in when you see people - strangers to you - hurting each other. Your heart will beat wildly and loudly when a young man lays his hands on his girlfriend. You know it's the right thing to do. God is with you.
Do not be afraid to say what is in your heart. I love you. I'm sorry. It hurts. Stop. Yes! No. I need this. The ones who love you - and there are plenty - will listen.
Do not be afraid to go get you want. That job. That vacation. That friendship. That more-than-friendship. Even the little things like that gorgeous red lipstick. Enjoy what God and this life have to offer. You will win some and lose some. It's all good. You will be all right. And, don't let anyone tell you that red is too bright, too sexy, or that it just isn't a good color for you. You are bright, sexy, and good. Wear it.
Do not be afraid to love yourself. All of you. Your heart and skin both of which scar easily. The hair which you can't seem to manage. The lips and eyes of which you're critical. The body in which you feel awkward. This body will carry, birth, and nourish new life. This body will will be loved and adored. This body will be looked at with disdain. But it will also be envied. And trust me, sister, this body gets better with age. You also get wiser. You also get smarter. You get better. Love yourself.
Do not be afraid when things don't go well. You will make mistakes. You will hurt people. People will hurt you. The church will let you down. You will disappoint those you love. More loves will be lost. Do not be afraid. God has you and He will NOT let you go.
You are a beloved child of God. Never forget that.
So many institutions and people and situations have their own set of expectations for you. They want you to believe that you must be who they want you to be and fill the roles they have written for you in their narratives. Be who you are. Write your own story.
You have rushed and hurried toward many achievements in your young life. Why? Whose expectations were you trying to meet? Slow down. You can still achieve all that you dream, but only if you give yourself the space for those dreams to take flight.
Find your voice. Love yourself. Speak your truth. Listen well. Stand your ground.
You are a beloved child of God. Never forget that.
“There she sits on the edge of her feather, expecting to fly” – Buffalo Springfield
Right now, you are walking on a brittle glass floor in knife-heeled shoes. You are laughing because you know how walk on the tips of your toes and not lean back. One misstep though and you will be thrust into a wilderness of freezing water. But there is good news. You are going to make wings out of popsicle sticks, which were never meant to take a person off the ground, but they work. You will fly away and find some new soft shoes for landing. It will be a bumpy one, but eventually you will find solid ground.
Guess who laid out these miraculous popsicle stick wings?
You will wait and wait and wait to grow up, but you never will and eventually you will understand and step into what that is. God created you just the way you are to be the perfect you. Don’t feel ashamed to think that you are special because there is enough God that everyone can be special without diminishing each other’s gift to the world, child of God.
You will end up alright and you’ll put those knife-heeled shoes away.
Dear Marlene, Here you are with 2 sons, an almost 3-year-old and a newborn since February 1. Your husband has taken off from Havre, Montana to post billboards along Highway 2 to Williston, North Dakota since a Chinook wind has brought the tempersature up to where the paste and wet paper won't freeze on the board before he can get the pieces on and smoothed out.
In a rare moment when both boys are napping, you quickly zipped outside to hang diapers on the line. In this warm wind, you'll be able to take them off within the half hour. You would like to nap yourself, but know that if Gene awakes before you, he may decide to color rainbows on his bedroom wall or pile some non-baby toys or food into his brother's bassinet, trying to be friends. When this baby starts crawling around and messes up his lines of cars and trucks, he'll be yelling at you to "take him back." In 2 more years, their sister will arrive and soon add her dolls and blankets to the middle of the living room floor. You may as well face it right now, your house will never look like those in Better Homes and Gardens. Actually from next year on, your residences and yards will be a gathering place for children. Try to smile and be kind about it. They will someday thank you, and remembrances of activities you are glad you didn't know about will cause resounding laughter.
Don't be afraid to move your roots to new soil, for you will greatly broaden your perspectives and sense of mission. You will move to three more states, and get used to two metropolis areas. The congregations you will be part of will show you where the Holy Spirit lives, inspires and plays.
Through times of despair, your faith, family members and communities will be your scaffolding. Believe in yourself and your children. You will all have challenges, but Grace will be with you. You will have tears along with laughter, anger and regrets, creative enjoyment and determined hope despite frustrations. Far be it for me to spoil all the surprises. Besides, you'd never believe some of how we live now, so hang on, lift up your heart and never give up seeing the kingdom.
I don't know the end of the story yet, but I know it will be grand, and He who said He would always be with us is and will be. So, let us not forget to love, advocate for good, enjoy the beauty, sing, read, and dance out with style.
So young and sure you went out into life Believing you knew just what your life would be That everyone you built your life around Would be as full of love and trust as you And found that none could be - not even you And as each dream died and you had to deal With all the win of sad reality You thought that you had failed and did not see Until one day close to the very end Just how courageous you had been.
At 21 I was very headstrong about how I interpreted the world and what I was going to do. I was safe and comfortable in my selection. It was 1967 in the maelstrom of Berkeley, Ca. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but I had no idea who to listen to and trust, and no practice in doing so.
ReplyDeleteI was up in the eucalyptus forest in the hills of Oakland in a very simple and very sparse cabin that belonged to Mady Bacon, the director of the S.F. Boy’s chorus with whom I had been working. She somehow knew that I could do more and could be more than the security of the ministry would allow. She had asked me if I was continuing at Seminary and I said that I was. She said, “What a waste”. The door was open that day for me to take a second path with a kind and sure hand, but I was too frightened. Therein lies the tale.
Powerful memory. Today you reflect on its meaning. thanks.
DeleteFear is part of the game of life. I'm glad to know some of the difference you've made anyway!
DeleteThank you. I suspect it is not which path you take but what you do along the path that counts the most. Doug Millar
DeleteI have the same suspicion...
DeleteLent 1, Sunday
ReplyDeleteYounger Me
Ah young fellow, in your ten years you’ve moved five times, a sixth looks soon.
Friends must be ready to say goodbye, you’ve one who has not, a real boon.
Your scouting skills started here, learning “Be Prepared”, does resonate.
Church, school: havens of worship, learning, these Scatterer does hate.
Teen years bring a powerful shift, hormone driven action rises up.
Five more moves occurred, at last at PLU’s cafeteria you did sup.
Gathered ‘round a blessed constellation of life’s mentors;
Roommates, pastors, professors, countless authors, a few active dissenters;
Twenty’s bring an English Lit. degree, a wife, Holy One’s call to ministry clear.
Master of Divinity bestowed as a mark of learning, a hedge against sin’s fear.
Our family vision begins, two offspring enter the picture,
Stalwart Swedish-American Carol helps loosen life’s stricture.
Macksburg Lutheran first, later Zion Lutheran parishes asked my care.
As a thirty-something year old I brought God’s hope and dare.
Onto the high desert our family moved, adding two more children to the crew.
An amazing sextet making life’s music, miracles, the decade flew.
Fashioner of Life moved the fortyish me from parish to therapist, chaplain work.
Always engaged, life proceeded smoothly occasionally with a jerk.
As a community resource, my practice brought truth to bear,
Individuals, couples, families learned of gospel garments to wear.
Fifty’s brings an empty nest experience, young adult children off,
To their life experiences brought back home, my thankful hat I doff.
Friends of thirty years gather ‘round to celebrate life’s joys,
Just enough resources to gather up a few of culture’s toys;
This last lap brought about orphan status, to parents said “Good Bye.”
Hosted father and mother-in-law as they exerted their last try,
Received amazing memories with our children’s children around,
Fullness overflowing moved to family turf on Puget Sound.
Clearly blessing has flowed freely, forgiveness practiced apace.
Rich stores of memories, shared events, Christ in every face.
This four minute focus never lacks for wonders unwrapped.
In fact the next moment might bring: eternity uncapped.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
22.2.15
Quite a story Ron. With all the moves - you survived quite well! I hope we meet some day!
DeleteWhat a great response. Now I will try.
DeleteA letter to Larry at Age 21
ReplyDeleteDear Larry… OK that seems a bit formal but how do you do this?...this is the first time for me too…well…this is going to seem weird, to say the least, but this is a letter from …you…to you… from 38 years in the future….hold on...hold on..... I know it’s odd and a bit of a surprise but trust me you are going to be surprised a number of times in your life…and if I’m right many of the big surprises are from God. You’ll do ok kid,
Now, you already know…and I know even more …that you like to be surprised so far be it from me ‘ruin’ your life or any of the surprises…but humor me just a bit…. Two things….first, don’t worry so much, Jesus was right…enough said… you’ll figure out what this means….second and don’t tell anyone where you heard this…and I know it won’t mean anything to you for a number of years..but…buy Microsoft stock.
Ok Ok Ok I really need to stop…but one more thing….and you won’t understand this for a while either…. but thanks for taking the red pill and not the blue…it’s been an amazing ride…and it’s not over yet.
Surprise! Larry
Larry, you are a gift. Thanks! Doug
DeleteDear self as 21 year old, you have much that is right. God has been good to you. You have struggled much already but there is much more struggle in the future. It is all good. Do not lose heart you walk with God! Deb Bengtson-Ahrendt
ReplyDeleteGood to see you made in in Deb! a strong letter no matter what age!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that I can do this exercise. Breathe.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 21, I was sure of myself, confident in my faith, felt certain I could deal with whatever came my way. The truth of it was, I did. And I somehow don't think that it would have made a difference to tell myself those things that I now know.
Perhaps, because I only wish I'd learned it earlier, I would have encouraged the mystic even more. Would have encouraged myself to explore how science could expand my understanding of God. But I don't think I was ready. I bet Connie knew these things I now know, but I was no more ready to listen to her than anyone. And I don't know if I could have withstood any earlier the adversity that brought the growth.
I have trouble believing that if I had done things differently, or started some aspects of my spiritual journey earlier, that I would have been given the graces that have come my way now. And what I have just now is so sweet and precious to me, that my only longing would be to have had it earlier. That said,
Gloria,
Spend more time outdoors, learn a new way to pray, let the God of your childhood die, and be reborn bigger than you can imagine. Try new things, and in doing so listen to how those new things work inside yourself. Make time for your music. Learn to draw. Imagine more possibilities. Treasure your friends. Cultivate peace in your family. Learn to listen to your body. Learn to listen to your heart.
Be honest, and let the grief that marked your childhood be openly transformed in your living, so that you can truly move beyond it. Practice boldness more often by doing something you think you can't. Don't wait so long to say "yes" to that which beckons; say "no" sooner to that which causes pain. Expect to find help in the most unusual of places, and don't be stubborn about accepting it when offered.
"Right now" is a stupendously marvelous moment in your life. There will also be many more.
With love,
The older one.
Thank you for your honesty. This may not have been easy for you to write but your efforts are appreciated by your readers. Pat Mason
DeleteThanks, Pat! Didn't know you kept this up, but have been thinking of you often in this past week. You are clearly a part of my story!
Deletean honest woman who's become so by her younger self.
DeleteDear young one,
ReplyDeleteAnd, oh, so young! No doubt you have been through much. You've loved and lost friends. You've grieved at the unexpected passing away of family members. You know the heartbreak of young love and knowing men - boys, really - who were also too young for all the ups and downs of relationships. Though it may not seem like it, in 20 years you will long for the simplicity of 21.
You've just graduated from a very good university. You're both excited and uncertain. There are endless possibilities ahead and it's hard to see past the next few months. And it's nearly impossible to imagine you in 20 years.
So what can I give you? These words from Luke 1:30 - Do not be afraid. Do. Not. Be. Afraid. You've heard it so many times. It isn't just for Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
It is for you.
Put them in your heart. Keep them there. Hold them tight. Do not let go. Do not be afraid.
Do not be afraid to speak up to the friend who speaks words of bigoted anti-blackness. It will be good for your soul. Your words might change a life even after the time for that friendship has passed. It is the right thing to do.
Do not be afraid to step in when you see people - strangers to you - hurting each other. Your heart will beat wildly and loudly when a young man lays his hands on his girlfriend. You know it's the right thing to do. God is with you.
Do not be afraid to say what is in your heart. I love you. I'm sorry. It hurts. Stop. Yes! No. I need this. The ones who love you - and there are plenty - will listen.
Do not be afraid to go get you want. That job. That vacation. That friendship. That more-than-friendship. Even the little things like that gorgeous red lipstick. Enjoy what God and this life have to offer. You will win some and lose some. It's all good. You will be all right. And, don't let anyone tell you that red is too bright, too sexy, or that it just isn't a good color for you. You are bright, sexy, and good. Wear it.
Do not be afraid to love yourself. All of you. Your heart and skin both of which scar easily. The hair which you can't seem to manage. The lips and eyes of which you're critical. The body in which you feel awkward. This body will carry, birth, and nourish new life. This body will will be loved and adored. This body will be looked at with disdain. But it will also be envied. And trust me, sister, this body gets better with age. You also get wiser. You also get smarter. You get better. Love yourself.
Do not be afraid when things don't go well. You will make mistakes. You will hurt people. People will hurt you. The church will let you down. You will disappoint those you love. More loves will be lost. Do not be afraid. God has you and He will NOT let you go.
Do. Not. Be. Afraid.
Thank you for this bold gift, so good at any age.
DeleteLove casts out fear. You bring heartfelt courage to the fore.
DeleteDear Young Adult Julie,
ReplyDeleteYou are a beloved child of God. Never forget that.
So many institutions and people and situations have their own set of expectations for you. They want you to believe that you must be who they want you to be and fill the roles they have written for you in their narratives. Be who you are. Write your own story.
You have rushed and hurried toward many achievements in your young life. Why? Whose expectations were you trying to meet? Slow down. You can still achieve all that you dream, but only if you give yourself the space for those dreams to take flight.
Find your voice. Love yourself. Speak your truth. Listen well. Stand your ground.
You are a beloved child of God. Never forget that.
Julie G. Hutson
walk the path, enjoy the journey, note the growth.
DeleteDear 21 year old Ruth,
ReplyDelete“There she sits on the edge of her feather, expecting to fly” – Buffalo Springfield
Right now, you are walking on a brittle glass floor in knife-heeled shoes. You are laughing because you know how walk on the tips of your toes and not lean back. One misstep though and you will be thrust into a wilderness of freezing water.
But there is good news. You are going to make wings out of popsicle sticks, which were never meant to take a person off the ground, but they work. You will fly away and find some new soft shoes for landing. It will be a bumpy one, but eventually you will find solid ground.
Guess who laid out these miraculous popsicle stick wings?
You will wait and wait and wait to grow up, but you never will and eventually you will understand and step into what that is. God created you just the way you are to be the perfect you. Don’t feel ashamed to think that you are special because there is enough God that everyone can be special without diminishing each other’s gift to the world, child of God.
You will end up alright and you’ll put those knife-heeled shoes away.
an experimenter, a rabble-rouser, a growing into strong adult woman person, such a delight to know you more.
DeleteDear Marlene,
ReplyDeleteHere you are with 2 sons, an almost 3-year-old and a newborn since February 1. Your husband has taken off from Havre, Montana to post billboards along Highway 2 to Williston, North Dakota since a Chinook wind has brought the tempersature up to where the paste and wet paper won't freeze on the board before he can get the pieces on and smoothed out.
In a rare moment when both boys are napping, you quickly zipped outside to hang diapers on the line. In this warm wind, you'll be able to take them off within the half hour. You would like to nap yourself, but know that if Gene awakes before you, he may decide to color rainbows on his bedroom wall or pile some non-baby toys or food into his brother's bassinet, trying to be friends. When this baby starts crawling around and messes up his lines of cars and trucks, he'll be yelling at you to "take him back." In 2 more years, their sister will arrive and soon add her dolls and blankets to the middle of the living room floor. You may as well face it right now, your house will never look like those in Better Homes and Gardens. Actually from next year on, your residences and yards will be a gathering place for children. Try to smile and be kind about it. They will someday thank you, and remembrances of activities you are glad you didn't know about will cause resounding laughter.
Don't be afraid to move your roots to new soil, for you will greatly broaden your perspectives and sense of mission. You will move to three more states, and get used to two metropolis areas. The congregations you will be part of will show you where the Holy Spirit lives, inspires and plays.
Through times of despair, your faith, family members and communities will be your scaffolding. Believe in yourself and your children. You will all have challenges, but Grace will be with you. You will have tears along with laughter, anger and regrets, creative enjoyment and determined hope despite frustrations. Far be it for me to spoil all the surprises. Besides, you'd never believe some of how we live now, so hang on, lift up your heart and never give up seeing the kingdom.
I don't know the end of the story yet, but I know it will be grand, and He who said He would always be with us is and will be. So, let us not forget to love, advocate for good, enjoy the beauty, sing, read, and dance out with style.
.
such a rich training ground, real life bursts out
DeleteIt was with reading twice - I'm glad I know you!
ReplyDeleteLetter to Me at 21
ReplyDeleteSo young and sure you went out into life
Believing you knew just what your life would be
That everyone you built your life around
Would be as full of love and trust as you
And found that none could be - not even you
And as each dream died and you had to deal
With all the win of sad reality
You thought that you had failed and did not see
Until one day close to the very end
Just how courageous you had been.
Clarene Aitken
She's indeed a woman of wisdom well earned.
Delete