Losing an Hour, Gaining Grace
We lost an hour of sleep a week and a half ago, and honestly, I’m still feeling it.
I like to think of myself as someone who’s got my routines figured out. I’m usually up early, starting my day with intention. But ever since the time changed, my internal clock hasn’t cooperated. My usual 5:00 or 5:30 wake-up? Not happening. Instead, I’ve been grumbling at myself, frustrated that I haven’t snapped back into rhythm.
And it’s not just the time change. This kind of performance-based thinking sneaks into my spiritual life, too. I set expectations for myself—how my Lent “should” be going, how I “ought” to be using my time better, and how I “should” be feeling more settled by now.
But then I remember: Lent isn’t about perfect performance. It’s about transformation.
Instead of focusing on what I’ve lost—sleep, routine, energy—what if I started focusing on what I’m gaining? Maybe this is a chance to recognize that God is still at work in me, even when I feel behind. Maybe this is an invitation to trust that growth happens in its own time—not by my schedule, but by grace.
This Sunday, we’ll hear a parable Jesus tells about a fig tree—a tree that wasn’t producing fruit when it was expected to. The owner was ready to cut it down, but someone spoke up and said, “Give it more time. Let me dig around it, tend to it, and see what happens.”
Have you ever felt like you weren’t measuring up? Should you be further along than you are? What if the answer isn’t to try harder—but to trust in the One who is still tending to you?
I don’t want to give away the whole story now—you’ll have to join us this Sunday as we dive into what this parable has to say about God’s patience, grace, and the surprising way growth happens in our lives.
So if you’re feeling behind this week—whether in sleep, in life, or in faith—take a deep breath. You haven’t missed your chance. Grace is still at work. And you just might be growing more than you think.
See you Sunday!
With Gratitude,
Rodney Whitfield
Senior Pastor
Aldersgate UMC