Lent is a journey, yet it is also about taking time not to move. We slow down, take time to examine where we are, who we are, and the world that surrounds us, and bring this awareness into the presence of the God who journeys, and stops, with us.
Slowing down, stopping, can be uncomfortable. It is often easier to keep moving, to avoid time to think, to avoid facing the reality of our lives and our world. Stopping means turning inside, and turning upwards, making space for ourselves to meet with God, and to take stock.
Slowing down helps us make room to notice where God is alongside us: in people, in situations, in what we read or listen to; to make room to notice those who need our prayers, and our actions, far and near.
It can help us to notice when our rushing steps have taken us to the wrong places, and to make space to discern how to straighten our paths, in the presence and friendship of the Lord.