Lent

I grew up in a church that observed Lent, but didn't teach much about it (in all fairness.. maybe they did and I wasn't paying attention...that's possible!). We seemed to talk more about caffeine headaches and how much we missed chocolate than about 40 days to intentionally set things aside to focus on intimacy with Christ and to draw near to him! 

 I honestly thought that "giving something up for Lent" was the whole goal. No one ever told me that you give something up as a fast to physically show your hunger and longing for God.

I also didn't understand that this is something we do in secret. (See Matthew 6) The attention we get from talking about our caffeine headache is the only reward we will get if giving up coffee is the goal. However if our goal is to draw near to God, then "your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." (Matt 6:18). I say let's shoot for THAT reward!

In recent years I've also come to see the importance in asking God's guidance in what I should do during these 40 days of Lent that will draw me closer to Him. Often what I think I should give up is different than what I really NEED to give up. He may have something in mind that is way different than what I had planned. He knows us better than we even know ourselves.

I pray that during these 40 days you will feel the love and the wooing of a Savior who adores you and longs to pour that love on you.

Angela

http://www.upperroom.org/lent101

http://www.focus.org/blog/posts/what-should-i-do-for-lent-pope-francis-ten-tips.html