The 40 People of Lent
In the Wilderness
It’s a wilderness season.
I wonder that for the little girl I see on the elevator.
On that day, the calendar tells me it is March 1. But something is off.
When the elevator door opens on the 7th floor and the child steps in, I immediately notice the “Happy Birthday” tiara on her head.
I tell her happy birthday.
I’m not that person who initiates lengthy conversations with strangers in elevators (see this funny insurance commercial with Dr. Rick on the elevator). I’ll do the obligatory friendly southern chit-chat—How’s your day going? Can you believe it turned cold again?—but I don’t want to be too nosy or too annoying.
But with this girl in the elevator, it feels safe. So I keep going.
How old are you today? She smiles and says, “7.”
Her grandmother says, “But she hasn’t had 7 birthdays.”
A Season for Loving
I’m puzzled. She continues, “Her true birthday is February 29.”
Oh! I’ve often lamented for February 29 babies. Having to wait every 4 years for the actual date must feel torturous, especially when you’re young.
The Lenten season feels like a season of waiting, too. A season of wilderness wanderings as Jesus walked away from life and people as he knew them to prepare himself for life and people with God in a new role.
I can’t say I totally get it, of course. But I get it enough.
It’s a wilderness season for me, too.
For awhile I’ve not been able to spend proper time with some of the people I love either, not been able to live the role I want to play in their lives. It makes me sad beyond words.
Yet others I love are still still actively involved in my life.
I don’t want to take these people for granted.
This isn’t a season for only waiting on what’s to come. It’s also a season for loving who’s here now.
40 People of Lent
So I’ve declared this Lenten season as 40 People of Lent. For each of the 40 days, I am attempting to connect with 40 different people. Preferably in person, but if not face to face, at least via video or voice.
Some days it’s easy. Every Monday, for example, I may interact with 50 different people. Pick one. But other days I may see no one but my husband. (And I already counted him as my person on Day 3.)
On those days I have to be more intentional. I have to proactively seek out another human being to connect with. (I’ve settled for an email only once, so far.)
I’m halfway there. 20 people down, 20 more to go.
The Goodness of Kinship
So for Day 7 on March 1, I counted the February 29 birthday girl as my connection, albeit a loose one.
This little wilderness child will never know that she’s part of my spiritual practice, that I’m still remembering her. And the doll she was holding that looked like her.
I asked her about the doll, and she told me the doll’s name is Maddie, a birthday present. I assume Mama spent a few extra dollars for the custom-designed doll for this year’s gift. (Next year’s gift on actual Leap Day in 2024 will have to be a knockout.)
As I look into the eyes of 40 different human beings during Lent, I spot similarities between us as well.
Yes, we each have arms, legs, ears. But the similarities go deeper.
We each are a God-designed image that connects with the other, together creating a beautiful network of goodness in this wilderness adventure we’re living in.
So thank you birthday girl on Day 7. And Phyllis on Day 11. And Bridget on Day 14.
I can’t predict who will fill the back half of the 20 slots.
But I look forward to the kinship.
Do you know someone with a February 29 birthday? Did you choose something to give up, or add, during Lent? The 40 People of Lent fits nicely with my One Word this year, Human.
Lisa, this idea of purposefully connecting is so fascinating. Impactful and kind and so needed.
And this here can be a truly blessed lifeline – ‘This isn’t a season for only waiting on what’s to come. It’s also a season for loving who’s here now.’
Dear Lisa, that is a sweet story. Your “40 people” idea is a lovely way to turn famine into feast. I am giving up something for Lent: that is going successfully and I pray I can continue and consolidate after Easter. I am also adding something: having finished Isaiah I’m settling into Jeremiah, and generally making time to be at home with the Lord every day.
Lisa, you are so creative. What a wonderful idea!
I love your personal connection dedication, Lisa. And this – “This isn’t a season for only waiting on what’s to come. It’s also a season for loving who’s here now.” Oh, so true. Thank you! Love and blessings to you!
Lisa, I love how your practice for Lent this year fits so well with your word – human. What a great idea to connect with 40 different people! I’ve also wondered how it must feel to have Feb. 29 as a special day. I knew a couple who married on Feb 29, so they had to celebrate either the 28th or March 1. Blessings to you!
What a wonderful way to focus on the real meaning of the Lenten fast, which I think is to make space for relationship. And thank you for linking my poem, it is a privilege to celebrate this season with all of you.
Lisa, what a wonderful way of connecting and serving during Lent! Though I can see this as useful throughout the year!
I loved this. I’m something of an introvert myself and need to work harder at this.
What a wonderful idea Lisa! To be a blessing each day to another.
Blessings, Jennifer
What a wonderful lenten activity, Lisa! Intentionally connecting with people. Each activity that God draws us into is an activity that draws us closer to Him, and into learning how He wants us to be in the world. I’m sure He is blessing others through you (and you, too)!
What a beautiful Lent practice, Lisa, and I’m sure each person has a brighter day because of your intentional kindness.
Oh, Lisa … “This isn’t a season for only waiting on what’s to come. It’s also a season for loving who’s here now.” My heart aches for those relationships that are “on hold,” and it’s also warmed by the intentional way you are making other connections during this season. Each of your 40 people will be blessed, for sure.
I’ve always wondered what it’s gonna be like for people celebrating their birthdays on the 29th of February. So are they celebrating on the 1st of March instead? The 40 People of Lent is a great idea. I mean, I’m an introvert, so just thinking about doing it is challenging. I don’t think I have 40 people I’ll be comfortable meeting or speaking to. Lol! I look forward to your updates on this.
What a neat practice. When I’m out, I tend to want to just get my stuff done with blinders on. But it’s good to intentionally interact with people, if only for a few moments while on an elevator or in a checkout line.
Lisa, what a wonderful practice for lent – I love this the 40 people of lent and you meeting the little girl – looking intentionally to find your 40 – so beautiful!
I love this…so much!
When I read the title I wrongly assumed that you had written a Lenten Devototinal using Biblical characters. This is so much better! I love the intentionality in each day’s choice. I think God smiles as you love on others!
One Word #6
So often I come away from here challenged or inspired! This feels like the perfect Lenten observance for an introvert in a world that’s just relearning how to connect. I’m fascinated!
Lisa,
What a creative and wonderful idea! I love the intentionality of seeking forty people during this season. It reminds me that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Thank you for your beautiful example.
Blessings,
Tammy
Lisa, this is a wonderful activity. and it seems like you gleaned much from this.
Thank you so much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
I’m glad you reshared this post, Lisa. What a fantastic idea!
I realize that it’s these little connections that might seem a bit meaningless that can make a difference to people’s days. I might take up this idea in May – 31 days of new connections. Thank you for the inspiration.