I hope you enjoyed a delicious homemade donut yesterday and prepared yourself for the next day ahead. Today is officially the first day of Lent!
How familiar are you with Lent? Do you know what the purpose of Lent is? Do you know some of the common practices with Lent?
I’m certainly no expert on this season of the church we call Lent, but I am more than willing to share with you a few of my ideas regarding these next forty days….
When I think of Lent, I always think about people giving up social media and chocolate. It's just an automatic in my head because it seems like such popular choices. But it's so much more than just that…
Lent is all about reflection and recognizing what's distracting you from a closer relationship with God. Naturally, “giving up” something seems like the ultimate way to achieve that, but Lent can also mean being inclined to “do” also. Last year (and this coming year) I was our service guide at church during the Lent season. And the first Sunday of Lent I mentioned a few “Meaningful Things to Give Up for Lent”, as written by Good Housekeeping. So why not share it with my readers on here for this year’s list?
1. Listening to Music in the Car: keep it quiet and give that time to share with God instead
2. Complaining: No explanation needed 😊
3. Clutter: stay on top of cleaning and organizing
4. Read More: put the phone away and sift through a few pages instead
5. Online Shopping: it’s a thing and it’s way easy to do, really consider each purchase
6. Heat Styling Your Hair: give your hair a break from all that heated hair equipment
7. Using your Phone at Dinner: ugh, this is one I wish everyone did!
8. Not Taking Time for Loved Ones: time is precious and so are the ones we love
9. Not Offering Forgiveness: this is a big one! (We’ll get to this later)
10. Fast Food: plan ahead and eat a healthy meal instead
11. Bad Posture: straighten up!
12. Coffee: skip the Starbucks lines and save some bucks for tithing instead
13. A Half Hour of Sleep: set the alarm a little earlier and spend time with God instead
14. One Letter of Gratitude/Day: share how much you care and appreciate
15. Bottled Water: choose glass and bring it along
These are only a few of the long list of ideas Good Housekeeping had on their website, check the link out down below for the complete list of meaningful things to give up during this season!
I enjoy this season of the church calendar the most, why? Because it is such an opportune time for reflection and to create new and meaningful habits in my life. (Afterall, it takes 21 days to form a habit, Lent is 40 days – you do the math!)
Are you following Jesus? Is something distracting you from being closer to him? Is it social media and worrying about all that your neighbor or coworker are doing wrong? Maybe the trouble is with your heart? Is it harboring anger or bitterness? Unforgiveness to someone? Are you clinging on to guilt from the past? Is your life so busy that church and reading the Bible have become the last two “to-do’s” on your list? Did you remember to pray and thank God for all that you have been blessed with, including waking up to a new day?
Take time and strive for some solitude and simplicity. Let’s not forget that even Jesus found solitude to pray and talk to God – it’s ok to take that time, it is NECESSARY to take that time, for yourself, to deepen your relationship. Let go of the things that are taking away your peace and give that energy to God. Reflect and make goals for yourself. If you weed out all the unnecessary in this season, God will help you achieve those goals.
As I reflect on my journey, I know I need to commit time and energy in different areas and prayer is going to be my biggest focus this Lent season. I would be very willing to hear what you would like your Lent journey to look like, just send me an email and let’s chat, encourage, pray and share God’s goodness with one another!
Let’s make sure we reflect with Jesus this Lent season. Let’s make sure we walk with Jesus this Lent season. Let’s make sure we talk to Jesus this Lent season. Let’s make sure we pray to Jesus this Lent season.
We have lots of work to do the next 40 days, but I know, if we rely on Him, He will carry us through and we will have an even deeper connection to our good, good Father!
I didn't make donuts yesterday but I have made baked donuts before and what a treat! 🍩
Good Housekeeping Article: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/g31078980/things-to-give-up-for-lent/
Comments