When Good Things Become Burdens

In the past several months, I have been working from this idea of pursuing practices that simply fit in order to create a life that fits me just right, like Goldie Locks. How beautiful to think that God wants to help us create a life, filled with practices that simply fit us like the perfect glove. Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie in Good Enough remind us that when we invite God into our lives, God can help us create the kind of life that fits. They write, “The little habits we create with God’s guidance will actually be made to fit us. Fit me. Fit you. The particular you, in this particular moment” (Bowler and Richie, p. 47).

The Lenten practice of giving something up or putting something on is designed, not to make us feel guilty if/when we do not accomplish it 100%, it is instead an intentional act of creating space to rely on God. This season of Lent, I chose to put on a practice that fit neatly into my life and is reminding me to rely on God.

I am looking for joy in my everyday ordinary life, letting it unveil the Divine in my midst, I then write about it. This practice did not require me to fundamentally alter anything in my life, it simply requires a little shift of perspective and the intention of sitting down and documenting it. God knew I needed a practice that would fit into my life, fit me by providing me with joyful opportunities to rely even more fully on God’s provision. It doesn’t feel like a burden, in fact it has been incredibly life-giving. Just like our authors assured me a practice co-designed with God would. And it is, by the grace of God, good enough.

- Margaret Fleming

You can keep up with Margaret’s Lenten practice on her blog at theversatilegirl.com/lent2022.

*These weekly Lenten emails are reflections based on a selection of Kate Bowler's* Good Enough *devotions.*

A devotional reflection will be published each Monday during Lent. If you would like to receive devotionals and weekly updates please make sure you sign up for our email list. Join a "Good Enough" Lent devotion small group for discussion of these themes and other group devotions.