I grew up with a fairly ecumenical background.  Baptized a Lutheran, earliest memory in a Methodist Church, I attended a Baptist Sunday school before my family joined a Presbyterian church.  I’ve stayed there ever since – which is probably obvious – but I don’t think I’m that unusual in that as far as churches go, I’ve been around.

So it was awhile before I got the hang of this liturgical calendar thing.  When I was growing up in another denomination, the liturgical seasons were Easter and Christmas, with the only other addition probably being the church picnic.  So observing Lent is not something I grew up with.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to appreciate Lent (or maybe it’s just because I am a minister).  There is something special about the 40 days – excluding Sundays – between the ashes on the forehead and the smell of the Easter lilies with the words “He is risen!”  It’s a time of preparation, a time to sit and listen, a time to rediscover what is important.

I recognize – and in some cases celebrate – the practice of some to give up something for Lent. It is a good spiritual practice, one that reminds us that following Jesus means not letting the excessive consumerism of our culture take us over. But it can also be a time to take something on, to engage in work that causes us to remember who we are and where we are.

One of the answers to the question “Who are we” is that we are children of God.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ if we follow the Christian tradition.  But we are also children of God, no matter what tradition we are in; even if we have no tradition.  To recognize God’s presence in each person is a practice for Lent just as much as giving up chocolates or alcohol.

But of equal importance is remembering where we are. We are in Farmville, or in a particular county, or wherever we are.  But our location is deeper than that.  Lent is not just days on a calendar. Lent is where we are.

Lent is 40 days of reflecting on God’s presence, and also God’s abandonment.  We spend this time considering the desolations of our days as well as the great accomplishments.  We might see God present in both.  But we might also feel God’s absence in both.  Either one is a good Lenten practice; because it teaches us not to take God’s presence for granted. Which may be the best Lenten lesson of all, no matter what tradition you have.

REV. DR. TOM ROBINSON is pastor of Farmville Presbyterian Church. His email address is robin216@embarqmail.com.