In Acts 2:38 (New International Version) we read this: Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
OK -- now what? The intellectual answer is easy: it is time for a new normal; there is no going back. But on a heart level, it is easier to understand why this might be seen as a confusing time. In the last decade, I've had many new normals. Some I've adjusted to easier, others have taken longer. But in each case, there was this tangible experience of leaving a season that was familiar and being thrust into something else. I know it often takes me a while to adjust, especially if the transition was not something I was prepared for, or if it was even something I wanted. And as I anticipate my professional transition, I don't know what is on the other side, beyond the theoretical. I don't know when it will happen, and for a control freak like me it scares me.
In less than a week, our period of praying and fasting as a church will end. I've not been exactly counting down the days, though. Doing a new discipline, while usually something that I burn out completely, this time has proven to be more fruitful and revelatory. (To be transparent, I will be looking forward to not having to blog every day!) And my post-fast plans include plans to continue aspects of this. In a number of ways, I've enjoyed it for myself.
But -- there is a time for everything. There is only so long one can continue to fast and pray. And while I've enjoyed this for myself, it will be good to move on to the next thing.