Lent has the historic, root meaning of spring, springtime, and the lengthening of the days. In the days of winter, there is a longing for spring, a longing for the lengthening of days, more sunshine, warmer temperatures, less frost and bone-chilling cold.

Lent is the season of springtime for the soul. That certainly is a positive twist on Lent. Commonly, the first thought that comes to mind is a season of penitence and fasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Too frequently, the somber aspect of abstinence, self-discipline, reflection, and introspection has so dominated our observance of Lent that we want Mardi Gras to never end.

Springtime for the Soul: A Lenten Devotional is a series of readings and meditations composed for Christians—God’s holy ones, saints—who are on a quest to grow and gain a greater understanding of our faith. It is my purpose and hope that you will find the daily readings and the meditations refreshing and encouraging, cultivating the crusty winter soil of the heart and germinating new thoughts concerning the essentials of our living faith.