Each year at Lent we talk about what we are giving up, and in recent years, maybe what we will take on instead. The tradition of Lent has been that we give something up in recognition of Christ’s fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, as we prepare for the Cross, Crucifixion, and Resurrection. It is a time to focus on God, to practice our devotion and growing our relationship with God by making space for reflection, contemplation, prayer and study. Rather than give up wine or sweets, typical choices, we can take on a service activity, or focus on personal growth in our discipleship, our walk in Jesus’ path. In our culture, some fast from TV or Internet, Facebook, Twitter or other kinds of stimulation, pastimes or entertainment that can consume us.

Is Lent something you observe? If so, what is your chosen practice this year? I’m giving up stress and taking on peace. Sound easy, or impossible? A few weeks ago, the Spirit nudged me to just let go of stress and accept God’s peace--all things are possible with God, and it can be a matter of choice. When a challenge hits me, I can respond with fear and negativity, or with prayer and peace, knowing that Jesus is with me in it and that all things are under God’s control. If Jesus can calm a loud, life-threatening storm (Mark 4:35-41) he can calm me. He  can say to the noise around me, Silence. Silence. He can put his arms around me and bring calm. The choice is to focus on Him, on his power and grace, on his amazing work in my life and the lives of those around me. I may not always agree with how he manages a situation, but I know it is for my best and that I am not alone. I know that Jesus is God, and that God is faithful. My faith must respond with that peace, with that belief that he does care and is involved in my life. Some of life is circumstance, out of our control, and some is our own choice. God is teaching me to trust, to go to him for help, and to take on peace.  It’s my choice to let him calm me! I can make a conscious decision to respond with trust, to pray and ask for God’s help, and let him calm the storm! It’s a matter of just stopping to think before reacting, to resisting the emotional, stressful reaction and to go to God first. The other part of this is honestly evaluating what contributes to stress, or to cultivating peace. When we plan ahead of time, have a schedule, have tasks, projects and activities set up in advance, we are more equipped to handle our regular day. And if we are prepared, and leave some extra space or margin for life, we are open for the unexpected, and less apt to react to new challenges. Proactivity encourages peace, procrastination fosters stress. So along with giving up stress and taking on peace, I’m paying extra attention to long-term planning, involving people who can help, and praying for God to order my priorities, something Pastor Rick advised when I began seminary. The more full our plate, the more important it is to be organized and know what is most important. This allows us to be more in control of our schedule and reduce stress.

Constant dialogue with God keeps us calm, and lets us know we aren’t alone, that God is with us. We are close and we know it, and as “stressors” appear, we just ask God for his guidance and peace. We are already there with him, and less likely to allow the ups and downs of the day to affect us. It is offered to us freely, whether you talk with the Holy Spirit, or God, or Jesus, this peace is available. Jesus said to his disciples before he went to the Cross, “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, as a gift. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid,” (John 14:27.) Jesus understands our fears, our anxiety, our stress, and he wants us instead to have peace. To choose that, to come to him for that.

And, at the same time, we must acknowledge and understand that some hardships of life are grave, death of a loved one, loss of a job or a marriage, and in those cases we go to God, as well as our Christian friends and even professionals when we need help with our questions and our perspectives. Let’s not minimize these heartbreaks and times of life that require full-on comfort from our Heavenly Father as well as those on earth who support and encourage us. And when we are in a place of peace, we can reach out to those we know are hurting, and listen, sit in silence as Job’s friends did (Job 1) and share our calm as we are called to do. We are all on this journey together, seeking peace and learning to share with each other. So this Lent I am letting go of stress, taking on peace, and seeking to share that with others, as God provides in all our life circumstances. Join me if you’d like, and peace be with you!

Betsy Hudson is the Minister of Grow at Arcola, and the Pastor of Bruen Chapel UMC in Fairfax. She is a former teacher, marketing director, and personal/business coach. Reach out to her at .