Not to speed up the season of Lent any more than it seems to be going, but we began Lent with an experience of intimate fellowship with our Lord; and the most humbling of wonders within our Christian journey; the Lord’s Supper. David Lose puts this time in simple words, “Jesus gathered with his disciples, those who left home and kin to follow him, for a final meal, and yet more than a final meal. It was a final sharing of himself – all that he was, did, and ever hoped for – with his beloved friends. It is a giving of himself – in the fullest sense possible – in this private and intimate setting before he gives himself painfully and publicly to the world. What must it have been like, we may wonder, to be that close to Jesus, to have his gaze upon you and know of his abiding regard for you?”
Although each of our family mealtimes look different, I’ve learned a lot from Labradorians. During the dinner and supper hours, many things come to a standstill around here. One saves no time by shopping during those hours as the limited staff members mean you wait in line longer. And the meal isn’t completed until one’s cup of hot tea has been patiently enjoyed (a longstanding British missionary tradition).
Life among the Inuit is also special because it is a culture of personal communication. Phones are used of course, but the best way to promote a gathering or make your point be heard, is in person; not a memo, the phone call, a meeting, or advertising in the newsletter. Good old face-to-face sharing. This ‘shift’ in culture for us has been a true blessing. In their homes, I put my watch in my purse and go by their time. I’ve found that those times provide an opportunity to say ‘thank you’, find out how someone is really doing, drop some thoughts or ideas, or gain some thoughts or ideas. Wonderfully, it has also been a time to simply sit (usually with hot tea), share scripture and pray. How does life get better than that?! Christ honors us with the gift of the immediate presence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within the temple of our hearts. As Lent progresses, may we all learn from the Labrador Moravians to take the time to stop & ‘let go’ of our daily agenda, open the temple of our hearts in a most profound way, and either share a verse, or ask to pray right there on the spot, thereby sharing and giving of oneself and living the life we are all called to do. Actually, we’re telling that person we love them enough to put a halt to the highway of business of our day, and share with them the gift of Jesus resurrection and life. A gift, for us and for them, that keeps on giving.
Share below, what has been happening in your temple during this season of Lent.
