Vicar’s Article: The Gift of Lent!

To me, February often feels like a ‘threshold’ month. The days are still relatively short and winter lingers, yet there are small signs of change: lighter evenings, early snowdrops (especially in our
churchyard!), a sense that something fresh is stirring.
In the Church’s calendar, February often takes us to the start of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday (18 February). Lent invites us to pause and be honest before God. It is not about being dour or harsh with ourselves, but about clearing space — turning again towards prayer, generosity and attentiveness to God’s presence.
I try to welcome Lent as a gift rather than a burden: a time to listen, to simplify, and to be gently reshaped by God’s love (emphasis on the word ‘try’!). I’m not a fan of winter so, for me, Lent is preparation for the joy that lies beyond: Spring and Easter! Lent truly is a gift!
Revd Douglas Black