Don’t you love before and after pictures? Whether it’s kitchen remodels, landscaping updates, or even abs, it’s great to see progress.

If you’re like me, there’s probably something in your life you’d like to change. It may be as basic and personal as your physical fitness. It may be something more idealistic like being quicker to forgive, growing more deeply in love with God, your spouse or neighbor, taking a bigger role in your community, or speaking out for the poor and marginalized in a more profound way.

Several weeks before his crucifixion, Jesus gave his closest disciples an unmistakable image of change when his very visage transfigured before them on the holy mount. The Church marks this event on the last Sunday before Lent because this is a time we, too, look for transformation.

This Lent your parish is inviting you to change. Together we will read Gretchen Rubin’s book, ‘Better than Before’ which is a really good guide to changing habits (we have copies for sale on the back table in the Narthex).

So in the few days before Lent begins (on Ash Wednesday, March 1) let’s take some time to consider what habit we’d like to either start or stop. In general, Rubin writes, there are seven areas of habits we look to – here’s that list, maybe it can help you discern what God is calling you to change:

1) Accomplishing something more and ceasing procrastination

2) Eating and drinking more healthfully

3) Exercising regularly

4) Save, spend, and earning more wisely

5) Rest, relax, and enjoying life

6) Simplifying, clearing, cleaning, and organizing

7) Engaging more deeply in relationships, with God and others

Throughout Lent, during our liturgy and adult forums, we will be talking about habits with hopes that God can help us change our lives and our world for the better. Next Sunday you’re invited to write down the habit you’d like to start or stop and place it on the altar as a way to more deeply commit to change throughout this holy season.

Collect for Lent 2017

O Transfigured One, help us change. Show us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the direction you desire us to go and give us the will to desire change. Help us be patient with ourselves as we go about this kingdom work and assist us in adopting and shunning those habits that do not bring you glory. We ask this in the name of the One who gives us strength to do more than we could hope or desire, Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.