This lent begins like no other I can remember. Central Texas is in the middle of an arctic blast and we are covered in ice and snow. During the day it makes for a picturesque scene, especially out in the country. But in reality, the weather is wreaking havoc on us all. There is no electricity. No heat. And it’s been like this for days. At night, when the wind blows, it’s isolating. I open my eyes and I see nothing — total darkness. Is this isolation similar to what Jesus felt those forty days in the desert? On a very small scale I feel that God is taking this time to force me to be still, reflect, pray.

What do I truly need? Obviously, I don’t have to have a television, or a stove, or even a microwave. I don’t have to have light 24 hours a day. I don’t have to have the internet. Don’t get me wrong, those things are wonderful and certainly make my life easier. But I am using these few days and the Lenten season that follows to really focus on what I truly need: Jesus. And while I’m at it, I will pray about what He needs from me. A quiet mind, a listening ear, and a heart that realizes He is truly my only necessary Provision.