I love the Lenten season in the church. It is a time for reflection and reverence and devotion, but the misconception about Lent is that you must suffer and give something up for 40 days or else you are not “doing it right”.
I believe the season is about remembering the sacrifice that was made for us. And if we do give something up that it does not make us miserable but it makes us appreciative.
A friend of mine told me that she wasn’t really being led to give something up for the season like she did last year. Sometimes we have those things, those vices that eat us up and going through the Lenten season while thoughtfully putting those things aside can be a really good thing. But we don’t always feel as if there is something extremely meaningful to give up at this particular time in our life. If we choose something randomly to omit during the season and it didn’t have any meaning then we have completely missed the point.
Why not add something during the season?
- Are you struggling with prayer/devotional time? Make it a priority. Even if only for 5 minutes each day.
- Are you not spending enough quality time with your family? Drop everything and be present more often.
- Is someone on your mind who you have not reached out to? Send them a handwritten note or give them a call and tell them you love them.
- Do you ever take time for yourself? Get out for a quick walk around the block…it may eventually turn into a regular routine. Or read a book, spend time with your arts and crafts…you get the idea.
I want to be intentional this Lenten season. I want to make sure that whatever I add or take away is done with a right heart.
My prayers to you this season as we reflect on the sacrifice made for us.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- Crushed ice
- Conference calls
- Dirty clothes lying on the floor
- Dreary days (very rare here in NM)
- Peets coffee
