Easter is only about four weeks away. But I was rather immersed in a huge project for the first couple weeks of the Lenten season.
Specifically, Lent links up with Jesus' time in the wilderness when He fasted for 40 days and was tempted three times by Satan but resisted.
Historically, Lent has been a season of fasting. From meat or foods. My daughter decided to give up Ramen Noodles for Lent this year. Are you giggling at that? She LOVES noodles. She's been eating a pack nearly every day after school for months. (Yes, that panics this nutrition-focused mother.) But on her own she decided to give them up for Lent.
Contemporarily, people give up all kinds of things for Lent. TV. Shopping. Chocolate. Facebook. You name it - whatever makes them happy. One thing that makes me happy on a daily basis is my iPod. So I am giving up my iPod for Lent.
When on the treadmill for the next several weeks I will forgo the music that makes me run faster and longer. And focus my thoughts on Christ instead. When working from a coffee shop, I will not have ear buds in. I'm not giving up music per say, but use of my iPod.
I realize this is no earth-moving sacrifice, but it's a start. And it's what I came up with today when I began to think about how I could demonstrate to Christ my sorrow and appreciation for what He endured for me. Thomas A. Kempis wrote, "Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God."
Besides, those who know me well, know my affinity for my favorite music.
Lent is intended to be a season of soul-searching and repentance. It's observed mostly by Catholic and Orthodox churches, but it's also observed by individuals looking to draw closer to Christ in the Easter season through prayer, repentance, giving and self-denial.
What about you, are you giving anything up for Lent?
Good morning, Rachel...and welcome back! I've missed your posts, but can't wait for your new book. :-)
ReplyDeleteI decided to go with a suggestion of my pastor's this year and dedicate a minimum of 15 minutes of uninterrupted prayer per day. This has not been easy for me, since I'm a popcorn pray-er...and it's quite difficult to get my mind to hold still long enough for that dedicated quiet time with my Lord. But, I like the idea that I truly am "giving up" something for Lent. If I'm giving my prayers, focus and attention up to God, then I'm not focusing on me (which, lately is an extremely good thing NOT to focus on).
And, it helps me get back to my one word (which is another illusive thing for me) - CONTENTMENT.
Thank you for nudging me to be mindful of my Lenten choice today! :-)
Leah
Wow, Leah. You are gving up and giving all at the same time. Vey cool. And it sounds like you will give your attention span and ability to focus a work-out this season too - something I bet we all can use.
DeleteThanks for stopping by today.
This is my first time ever to observe Lent, though I've been thinking about for the past few years. I gave up liquor, which probably sounds weird to some Christians who don't drink at all. But the thing is that I LOVE a relaxing night cap, and giving that up forces me to draw closer to God to settle some of my anxiety. God has taught me a lot through this sacrifice, and I am so grateful (though being honest about my sacrifice outs my sinful nature!). I will definitely observe Lent again next year, and this experience has changed me permanently. And good luck with that Ipod... I know how instrumental a role it plays in your treadmill time!!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice, Tamara. I adore you!
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