A Journey Through Lent: Day 2

 Lent Day 2: “Tempted”


“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Since our kids have gotten older, Alex and I have embarked on adventures. We have attended more concerts than I can count, taken short getaway trips to new places, and generally just had a good time together. I’ve never been very materialistic and don’t need the latest gadget, designer bag, or expensive jewelry. However, I do treasure making memories through experiences. This is something we tried to instill in our kids as they were growing up. We kept our Christmas to three presents (if three gifts were good enough for Jesus they are good enough for you) and we have routinely given circus, concert, and theater tickets in lieu of physical gifts. 


As I was looking through old photos today while meditating on the word “tempted”, I came across our pictures from last April. If you recall, on April 8, 2024, a large part of the United States was in the path of totality during a solar eclipse. We started planning our adventure sometime in the Fall with a loose plan and time off requested for the event. Leading up to the eclipse, I used videos and materials related to the eclipse with my speech therapy students I see via Zoom. They all live in Colorado and would be in the “partial” zone with many of them planning to take trips with their families to find a spot in the path of totality. One lesson I was trying to impart was the need for “safety” and to resist the temptation to look directly at the eclipse even during the time of totality. There is a lot of science documenting the risks to your vision, as UV rays are still present and may be even more damaging since you aren’t as aware of their presence. A good many of my middle and high school students are on the Autism Spectrum. One particular student has difficulty believing the “experts” on any topic. This lack of trust is almost a hallmark for those who fall at a certain point on the spectrum. One of my biological kids was very similar to this middle schooler. There was no convincing “Tyler” not to look at the sun during the eclipse. He was convinced I had false information and he knew better. He was 12 but was sure his “gut instinct” was better to follow than the information of people with greater knowledge. 


For forty days, Jesus was in the wilderness fasting. He was hungry. The scriptures tell us he was tempted with food, authority, and power. His responses were not rooted in a “gut feeling” but faith in what was written. A reminder that man should not live by bread alone. A reminder that we should worship the Lord our God and serve only Him. And a reminder that we should not put the Lord our God to the test. 


In general, I am a pragmatic person who loves history and values experiences. The time we live in feels precarious but I also know many other points in time have felt like “end times” to those living through them. Nevertheless, when I look around me and read the news I allow myself to read, it’s tempting to lose hope for the future. But I’m holding on to what was written. I believe in the good news of the gospel. I believe the mystery of the faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. And I believe the remnant of the body of Christ will remain to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the broken world around us.


The world may continue to spiral in a way that is destructive, with little love for neighbors and the strange alien in their lands. The nation may continue to follow a path that leaves little provision and support for those who can't find a way to provide for their families. Our communities may continue to ban books and cripple teachers from educating our young. But as for me and my family, we will continue to love God and to love our neighbors. We will continue to value expertise and ongoing learning. We will continue to welcome all to our home and our table, celebrating the diversity of the family of God. And we will work to face the temptation of lost hope with faith in what is written. Prayers for the peace of God for all during this Lenten season.


I leave you with a few lines from one of my favorite songs:


"I want a house with a crowded table

And a place by the fire for everyone..."


-Crowded Table by the Highwomen




Christmas Morning 2023

Thanksgiving Day 2023




Location: Decatur, AL, USA

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