It’s the 1960s, late winter, around 7:30 in the evening. I’m walking with my Grandma Kofink. She is wearing her navy blue coat and a black hat. We are going to church. Grandma didn’t go to church very often, certainly not at night, but this was Lent. She wanted to go to the mid-week services.

I think of her as an old lady hobbling along the sidewalk, but she was about the age I am now. (Being my grandparents age is something I have trouble adjusting to.) What strikes me is her desire to be at Lenten services even though it meant walking at night time, in the cold, with snow still on the ground. I think I understand it now. I look forward to Lenten services–a lot more now that I don’t have to lead them, but can just go and listen to the Word and sing the Lenten hymns.

I can’t explain that need in me to be part of Lenten worship, but I feel it. Maybe it’s the calling of the Savior. I remember well a Lenten hymn I used to sing as a kid.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto Me and rest;
lay down, thou weary one, lay down
thy head upon My breast!”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting-place,
and He has made me glad.

Horatius Bonar (ELW #611)

I hear you, Lord. Listen. Maybe he is calling you, too.

Read Isaiah 48:16-17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne