By Dunford Cole

It is the Holy Season of Lent, and we have begun our journey to the cross of Calvary with our Lord. In doing so, we strive to become better Christians, parents, spouses, friends and neighbors. 

This is a season to open our hearts to God and listen to the Holy Spirit and examine the stumbling blocks we have collected during the past year. We all have them. Some are tied to work, family or health, but often they are those little habits we have picked up without realizing. 

We don’t always reflect on how they affect our relationship with God. What I’ve learned over the years is that Lent gives us the chance to pause and consider what holds us back. 

It is an opportunity to cleanse ourselves through confession and contrition, giving ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit. As we enter the wilderness over the next few weeks, focusing on being our very best selves with each step of the way, we should stay mindful that we are not alone. 

In every weak moment, God is there. As John Wesley said, “The best of all is, God is with us.”

Dunford Cole is pastor of Camp Ground/Rutledge Methodist Church and presiding elder for Six Rivers and Midpoint District.