So often you hear talk of what will be 'given up' for Lent. And unfortunately many times it is done in poor taste as the punch line of a lame joke.
Lent is so much more than giving something up. It is so much more than a token obligation to be taken with no more seriousness than a Bugs Bunny cartoon. It is so much more than a 40 day New Year's Resolution. It is so much more than the time when you can get a fish sandwhich for 99 cents.
Lent is about giving and taking. Examining and reflecting. Prioritizing and simplfiying. Refraining and sacrificing. Change and conversion.
What can I offer to the One who gave it all? What can I let go of in my life in order to make more room for Him? What habits have pulled me farther away from the purposes and plans that He has for my life? In what disciplines have I shown weakness that I can now renew and reenergize in order to grow spiritually? What charity can I take on in order to live my Christianity more visiably in order to glorify Him more?
And even in the giving up of seemingly unspiritual things, like pop, television, computer time, chocolate, meat, or coffee, great offerings can be made of those sacrifices in order to more fully understand and marvel at the sacrifice given us, by Jesus.
Lent is what we make of it. Lent is meaningless without understanding. While Lent can be lonely, dry and difficult...it can produce joy, refreshment, and growth.
For help explaining lent to kids see this post: Take a Pit Stop
9 comments:
Well said Heidi!
EXACTLY!
So much can be gained from sacrificing to spend more time with the Lord.
I started a "lent" of my own beg. of Jan. So neat that when we draw near to Him, He really does draw near to us!
Amen.
BTW ... My morning computer time has been replaced by time praying/playing with Just Son. I think with God's help this is something I'll be able to continue beyond Lent.
what a wonderful post, heidi. you explained it beautifully. even though i knew all of this, i needed to be reminded of it - especially as i try to figure out what i would like to sacrifice for my God. thank you.
This is the first year I am practicing Lent, as I am not CAtholic. I hope to post about my choice tonight or tomorrow and plan to link to this. Is that OK?
I will give up ... 'prosperity'.
(That's the only thing I will not break!!)
Thanks Heidi. You've given food for thought. I also went back to your post from last year... I had forgotten about your "cars" analogy. I think I will tell my kids about it tomorrow.
Hello Heidi, Found you through Diana's blog, you have a great site, and your stand on Lent is Awesome!! Preach it sister!! I will be back, nice to meet you:)
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