Are You Ready?

I don’t know about you, but getting ready for a trip is stressful.

Right now, I’m writing this between rushing around trying to get everything done before heading out of town to visit my dad and stepmom for a few days. Laundry? Still not finished. Car? Needed servicing. Packing? Yeah, I’ll be running home after lunch to deal with that.

Even when you’re excited to go somewhere, there’s so much preparation involved. You’ve got to make lists, double-check plans, and somehow fit everything into the suitcase. And no matter how much you plan, there’s always that moment when you think, “Did I forget something?”

And honestly, that’s kind of how Lent feels sometimes.

It’s meant to be this holy journey—a time to reflect, pray, and draw closer to God. But let’s be honest. Life keeps moving. Some of us already feel behind—maybe we started a Lenten devotional and have already missed a couple of days (GUILTY), or perhaps we meant to slow down and reflect, but instead, we’re just as busy as ever.

It makes me wonder: Are we ever really “ready” for Lent?

In Mark 8:34, Jesus tells the disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” That sounds like a big ask. But notice what He doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Be perfect.” He doesn’t say, “Have it all together first.” He doesn’t even say, “Be completely ready.”

He just says, “Follow me.”

Sometimes, the most challenging part of any journey is just getting started. And maybe that’s the invitation of Lent—not to have it all planned out, not to have every detail perfect, but just to be willing to take the next step.

So if you’re feeling behind, if life has been a little too hectic, or if you’re just not sure how to “do” Lent this year—breathe. You haven’t missed your chance. The road is still open. The invitation still stands.

This Sunday, as we gather for the Second Sunday of Lent, let’s remember that faith isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about being willing to walk the road, one step at a time.

So, let’s take that step even if the laundry isn’t done yet.
 

With Gratitude,

Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC