We are nearing the end of the annual season of Lent, a time from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, set aside to prepare and focus believer’s hearts and minds on the death and wonderful resurrection of Jesus.
Some use this as a time to forego chocolate or some other pleasure, a sort of fasting from something that matters to them. Ultimately it is the discipline to resist temptation, since Jesus resisted temptation during His forty days in the wilderness. That is a perfectly fine way to remember the Lord, if that is how He is leading you and you find meaning in giving up some sort of pleasure. In fact, my husband and I forego processed sugar during Lent. We always feel better as a result.
This year I also decided to add the good habit of seeing if I could bless someone in a small way each day during Lent. I admit I became distracted some days, and didn’t make the conscious effort I should have to try to bless someone. I like to think that I was able to bless someone each day all the same. I hope to carry this habit into Easter season, and beyond. And to be more conscientious so I don’t miss a day.
Perhaps your tradition doesn’t practice or acknowledge Lent. If not, why not consider pausing during this time of Paschal Triduum (the four days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday), to stop and take an extra assessment of your spiritual walk? Listen to what the Lord is saying. You will be blessed by your time with Him.
Praise be to God! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Your turn:
Is Lent part of your spiritual practice? How do you celebrate Lent?
April Fools, the Writer’s Way
Lent was not part of the spiritual tradition I grew up in, but I love the idea of setting aside a sacred time. I try to use it to focus my study time on the last journey to Bethlehem. I pull out my favorite reference books and a good study Bible and try to follow the steps of Jesus and the disciples each day of that amazing trek.
There were a few years where I gave up something for lent, but I became more focused on what I gave up than focusing on Jesus.
I like your idea of being a blessing to somebody each day of Lent.
This year I tried to be more aware of Jesus’ sacrifice and reflect on the sacrifices I make for Him. He gave everything for us, and there’s no way to compare my little actions to his.
This morning in Kenya gunmen raided a dormitory and asked people if they were Christian. The Christians were immediately shot. I admire their courage to take a stand for their faith knowing their life was on the line. I hope I’d be just as brave in the same situation. I wonder which Peter I’d be. Bold or scared?
Lots to reflect on today. Thanks for sharing, and happy Easter!
I have been enjoying a book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer this lent – God is On the Cross: Reflections on Easter and Lent. It has been a good discipline. Looking forward to the weekend ahead.
My upbringing and my own practice always included Lent. Our lives are so busy that I appreciate the focus on preparing for the Cross and the Resurrection. To me the Resurrection is so much more incredible because I first focus on His suffering. How much more brilliant and appreciated the light when you’ve spent six weeks in the dark? Thank you for sharing this.
Tamela, I love your idea of doing something special for someone each day. As soon as I read that, an idea came to my mind that I will adopt (It was fun to give it a try already). Each day during my quiet time I will say a secret prayer for someone in my church (perhaps I’ll go through the church directory each year?). It will help me love the body of Christ more and add an extra dimension of His touch in their lives.
Thank you. I’ve been asking God to help me love my church family more deeply, and I believe this is part of the answer.
Easter Blessings ~ Wendy ❀