I began a recent 7th and 8th grade religion class with these words on the board: "Event driven or lifestyle?" I then had my students list important events for Christianity, such as Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, etc. Out of that list, obviously Christmas and Easter are the most highly attended worship services. One student even noted that the word "Chreaster" is sometimes used to describe those who come to worship only on those two days of the year. An "Events Driven Christian" lives for important events.

I must admit that one of the challenges I find myself having as a Pastor is falling into the trap of being events driven. As soon as a worship service is done, such as our special Ash Wednesday service, I find myself quickly thinking about the next thing. Of course, careful preparation is a good thing, but so is having time to reflect upon what has just happened, how the Holy Spirit was working through Word and Sacrament, the wonder of Jesus coming in Holy Communion, what the Word was leading me to give thanks for, to confess, to ponder.

Years ago, when Ellen and I had the joy of going to Hawaii and would see people coming off and then back on tour busses at various places we were, we kept saying we were so happy that's not what we were doing. Why? We were free to take as much time at a place as we wanted - soaking in the powerful waves crashing in, the majestic waterfalls, the lush tropical vegetation. Eventually, we would have to leave, but not before a lasting impression was made.

What is the lasting impression Jesus had made on you? Allow me to challenge you during this season of Lent to take time to reflect and ponder the wonder of what Jesus did for you through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. For me personally, I'm listening to all four Gospel accounts during the next several weeks a few chapters at a time. Maybe you wish to do the same, or instead immerse yourself in only one of those biographies of Jesus. Either way, take some time to ponder and reflect so that the Holy Spirit in working through that Word continues to make the faith more a lifestyle than event driven.

Do we pass that cross unheeding, Breathing no repentant vow, Though we see You wounded, bleeding, See Your thorn-encircled brow? Yet Your sinless death has brought us Life eternal, peace, and rest; Only what Your grace has taught us Calms the sinner’s deep distress. (LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK #423, v. 2)