Of Lent and New Wine

"Give up the habit of giving up" 

…encouraged the man of God. Seemed like a good idea to me, especially since this season seems to be one which has necessitated the relinquishing of so much already.

 Give up the habit of giving up on the idea of a forever safe hobbit hole in the Shire, or anywhere in Middle-Earth anymore? He, upon whose shoulders all government rests, is our shield and strong tower! - the ultimate Hobbitt Hole. Abide under the Shadow of His Wings!

Give up on the habit of giving up the illusion of control - unless you understand your vantage point and privileged position in the Grand-scheme: Consider the mouse, invited to ride high on the back of the massive elephant as they cross a bridge, who quips "We sure shook that bridge, didn't we!" A picture of the 'control' we wield in prayer. Pray!

     Perhaps the way Zechariah felt when he looked up and saw an angel in the inner sanctum of the temple telling him that his barren wife would conceive... give up the habit of giving up; 

     Or the way Naomi felt as she looked into the eyes of her son's widow Ruth, whom she had earlier advised to return to her family of origin and their false gods, but who had now placed, on her lap, the man-child Obed , who would be the grand-father of King David, of the line of Messiah. She gave up the habit of giving up! In fact she dandled fulfillment on her knees with greater joy than when their new wine abounds - the tune of an eternally joyful lullaby. Persevere in hope!

Lent: A time to persevere in hope.

Lent: Because no one wakes up on resurrection Sunday with full appreciation of the Atonement, who has not set his soul to ponder These Things, to meditate, to worship, to lay hold upon the exceedingly Good Thing - The Gospel.

Lent: An old wine skin? Not if it means giving up the  habit of giving up... and laying hold; persevering until The Dawn.