For Lent, I’ve decided ­to spend time outdoors every day. You might think that’s easy. And you might be right. But at my stage of life, it has been difficult to carve out space and time to do anything other than working, parenting and partnering. 

Traditionally, we’re encouraged to abstain from things during Lent. Resist temptation. Fast. Eat less chocolate or drink less coffee. Watch less TV. 

Ideally, these practices of abstinence clear a path to Jesus. They help us be more present in our bodies, quiet our minds and focus on what Jesus asks of us here and now. 

I think abstinence is not the only way to do this. Resistance is another. Simply practicing something different can clear our path to Jesus and away from what we want to resist. 

My outdoor-time practice has stipulations. Walking from building to car or car to building does not count. Taking out the trash does not count. Taking my children to the park does not count. (Although that one is lovely.) 

The outdoor time needs to allow me to center myself. It needs to allow me to resist the pull of tidiness, of always doing, of prioritizing achievement. 

Here are the ways my outdoor time counts: Listening to the rain on my porch. Walking through my neighborhood or on a trail. Puttering with my plants. These activities clear my mind and quiet the noise to focus on Jesus more fully. 

These are things I love anyway. But since they require stillness and intention, they are easy to push aside for what feels more urgent. 

What are you resisting this season? Legalism? Judgment? Hopelessness? Anxiety? 

As you consider what Lent should look like for you, I’d like to suggest you consider the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Self-control gets all the glory during Lent. And we all need it. But I encourage you to also reflect on the remaining fruit of the Spirit. Which would you like to experience or embody more of? My outside time is a practice of peace and gentleness.

However you observe Lent this year, I wish you blessings for the journey toward Easter. May you find love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.