I have always been interested in Lent. It is not something that I have ever observed before. Upon doing some reading I realized that it is not all about giving up food, fasting and/or stopping a specific behavior (smoking, drinking, gambling, etc.). It can also be about adding things to your life. Things like journaling, solitude time with God, prayer, volunteering, any number of things.
To me Lent will be about being more conscious of my relationship with God. I am going to use this time to celebrate in the sadness of the time leading up to Easter. “In the Orthodox Church, Lent is called the season of Bright Sadness, because it is a time of both celebration and mourning.”*
Easter is my holiday. More than Christmas, Thanksgiving and any of the others combined. It isn’t about the Bunny or the Chocolate. It isn’t about the baskets of goodies or the pretty new dresses. It isn’t even about the church building. It is about celebrating the most amazingly precious Gift that I have ever received. It is about a Gift that rose from the grave after enduring the most painful of deaths. A death that was suppose to be mine. It is All about Jesus and His love for me.
When I consider the Joy of the Resurrection, how can I not think about the 40 days of temptation that Jesus endured. Or the painful events of not only being betrayed by a “friend” but being tortured for my sins.
Here are a couple of links that offer some information and devotions regarding Lent.
Bright Sadness by David Maddalena *Quoted from this Source
66 Love Letters by Dr. Crabb
Whether you observe Lent or not. I pray that your relationship with our Loving Heavenly Father grows during this time. Also consider this scripture if you chose to fast. I am so looking forward to having a secret with God. For he is the only one that will know if I am fasting or adding….
16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. -Matthew 6:16-19 NLT
Beautiful blog post Theresa. Enjoy your peace and praise for the Savior as you worship during Lent.
Teresa, I was just talking about this with my middle daughter today…giving it some thought…I have not really considered that it is about “adding” things that enhance my relationship with my Lord….love it.
So good Theresa. Gets me excited.
This is such a beautiful post Theresa. I love desire to seek closeness with God during this time.