We are in the early days of the Lenten season.

We begin the Lenten season, a lengthening of days, with hope of renewal, with sorrow for our offenses to God and others, with the joy of repentance and reconciliation toward God and others, with fresh commitment to give our lives in a cause greater than ourselves, in a holy relationship of trust that envelops and enlarges us. As we turn ourselves, with Jesus, toward Jerusalem and the cross, we position our hearts and lives for service.

John Wesley said, ""There are many men who take some pleasure in knowing God's will and word, and yet do not conform their lives to it."

Let us conform our lives to it. It will not be mere cultural Christianity or institutional conformity, but radical vitality that follows Jesus into the streets and walks among the broken, wounded, oppressed, and robotic souls sucked dry of life, but living on. It will breath life, justice, peace, and passion into stoic statues of stalwart saints-to-be, reviving and enlivening. It will keep us on the edge and expand us, lengthen us, with the days for all our days.

Watch out! This is some ride! There may be some storms, but you are ready and you are marked for redemption, chosen for significance, and called to be part of something bigger than yourself.

By the way, he tells the conclusion of the sweater story later … Ask me and I will tell you.