"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and morning." Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing- grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God."It is Ash Wednesday and Lent begins today. I've never really celebrated Lent and therefore am not particularly familiar with what it's all about. The version I typically see, although it may not always be religious in intent, seems to mean giving up something like fast food or alcohol. Almost like a second chance at new year's resolutions.Joel 2:12-14
Although giving up junk food and liquor are good for the body, they don't exactly scream "spiritual enlightenment" to me. It just seems like an easy way to give something up for Lent without actually getting the good stuff out of the forty days... you know, like recognizing and gaining thankfulness for the suffering Jesus endured for us.
I guess this year I'm just looking for something more. Maybe I'll give up soda and cursing and road rage, but really I think I'll try to give up all of it. Meaning, I want to give it all to God. I want to give Him my burdens and my joys, while also striving to get better acquainted with Him and His purpose for me.
I'd also like to take part in the almsgiving part of Lent. Not necessarily by giving money or materials, but by giving kindness and care to people, not judgment and impatience.
So through Lent and beyond I will focus on prayer and on denying myself the easy, or pleasurable, way. I will give it all up to God and know that in his hands, all will be right.
Blessings to you in your Lent endeavors and Happy Wednesday.
3 comments:
Christina Cameron....WHere have you been hiding? you have made my heart cry out to our Lord in thanksgiving for putting such a beatiful spirit in my life. i pray for every blessing for you in your "Lenten Adventure" with God.
With love and Prayers,
Grama
Now I will wipe my eyes and go back to work.
This is great! What a creative thing to do for lent!
I am a blog friend of your mom, and I must say, I can see why she is so very proud of you! What a wonderful post. You have learned true value in life at a young age. What a blessing your Spiritual commitment will be for you and your own little family as well as your parents. Kudos to you!
xo...Kathy (Mimi's Garden)
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