Is anyone else in disbelief that it is already time for lent?? Yes, all my blog-followers, today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent. Growing up in the United Methodist church, my family always observed this pre-Easter season and, even though now I attend a non-denominational church, we still observe it. This year I'm going to use lent as a spring-board to give up/decrease significantly my intake of coke. This is not the first time I've given soft drinks up for lent. Ray, do you remember that year that you tortured me by drinking pop in front of me every chance you got??? I still have mental scars from it, but I'm hoping this is the year I succeed in breaking this habit that causes me to consume so much refined sugar. I would love to hear what you might be doing for lent, if you observe it!!
Here is a summary of lent, for those of you who need it:
Lent is a season of the Christian year when people are invited to simplify their lives to focus on their relationship with God in Christ.Where does the concept of Lent come from?At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus hiked into the wilderness. Maybe he needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe he was searching for direction and answers. Maybe he needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God, and himself, more clearly. For whatever reason, Jesus retreated into the wilderness for forty days to fast and pray. While he was there, he was tempted by Satan and found the strength to make some tough decisions. He also found clarity about God and what kind of person God wanted him to be.
What does Lent have to do with me?It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of work, school, relationships, and family. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol or other things. We run from silence because we're afraid of being alone with God. So, like Jesus, we need to take some serious time to pray and figure out where God is in our lives, and where God is calling us to serve. We need to re-focus our lives to be more in line with God.
How do Christians celebrate Lent?It's different in different traditions. But generally it's a time to return to Christ by cutting out all that distracts us. For some people that means giving up something like candy, TV, soft drinks, beer, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. Others take something on and collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to help children, or decide to be kind to someone they don't like. Whatever "stuff" is given up or taken on, the intent must be to draw us closer to Christ. Lent is a resolution to simplify our lives, and to return to the One who loves us -- Jesus.
Until next blog,
soda-free jen
