Could there be a better, more meaningful way to mark Lent, beyond giving up chocolate and Diet Coke? Linda Hanstra, who tried giving up pleasures and vices for years in the 40-day period before Easter, found a way to do just that in her small but powerful devotional book, Lent Through the Little Things.
As she found little reminders of God throughout her day, Hanstra found a way to center her thoughts and emotions on the sacred. In a devotion called “Kitchen Faucet,” she draws our attention to the ease with which most of us access water from the tap—for washing hands and dishes, and for drinking water for ourselves or our pets. Each devotion ends with a brief “take notice” section, and in this meditation, she reminds the reader to pay attention: “Every time you use a faucet or drink water today, remember the ‘living water’ Jesus offers us.”
The prayer (included at the end of each day’s reading) asks God to quench our spiritual thirst. “Lord, here is my cup. Fill me up with the living water of your love and grace.”
Hanstra relates a rocking chair to Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.” She weaves a simple story about getting turned around trying to find a coffee shop she loved with the concept of searching for and finding God in the “everyday, ordinary moments.”
In these 40 relatable reflections, Hanstra points to the holy presence of Jesus in our quotidian lives. Designed for Lent, with special devotions for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, etc., this book could be read at any time of the year. A free companion journal download is available at Lindahanstra.com. (MiWoods Press)
About the Author
Lorilee Craker, a native of Winnipeg, Man., lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. The author of 15 books, she is the Mixed Media editor of The Banner. Find her on Instagram @thebooksellersdaughter or on her podcast Eat Like a Heroine.