first time for everything
I didn’t grow up celebrating Lent. I don’t even know if celebrating is the right word to use. Honoring Lent? Observing Lent? Hmph. All of the above.
I decided to celebrate/honor/observe Lent this year.
I wrestled with it a bit because I wanted to be sure I chose to do it for the right reasons. I didn’t want to do it simply because I’m attending a church that honors Lent. Or because I have friends who do. I wanted to do it with my heart.
To be honest, my initial response when I started contemplating it was to scoff. I’ve lost a lot in recent months; I’ve given up a lot. So when I felt the inner tug to “sacrifice” something for Lent, I raised an eyebrow at God as if to say, “What?! You still want me to give You more?!”
Yeah. Self-righteousness can be blinding.
So I’ve given something up for forty days. It’s not really a big deal. But for me, the significance of this small sacrifice is a huge deal.
And it gives me far better perspective on everything else I’ve given up as of late.
And it reminds me it’s all His anyway.
@cassgirl says:
I have also given up something.
Like you said “It
@moweezle says:
Good for you! I don’t think I’ve ever observed Lent either, just fasted. I have seen so many doing the Facebook Fast this year for Lent though……
@danielleH says:
Okay…now I’m curious. :)
Good for you. I didn’t do anything for lent, although the catholic church behind us did. Fish fry and all.
Alece, your precious heart always warms mine!
heidi — share via email?
mo — is it a charismatic thing that we’ve missed out on lent on all these years?
yeller — check your mail! and i just need to say: the phrase “fish fry” just skeeves me out.
debra — thank you for always being so sweet to me…
I’m so glad it has ministered to your heart.
I have never observed Lent either. My husband did for the first few years we were together (being raised Catholic). It seems that the vast majority of people do it “just because.” To observe it and really have it be meaningful … that is wonderful. :)
Did you put ash on your head last week? Can I call you Ash Head?
andrew — nope. i didn’t go to the ash wednesday service…
I love you. And we are due for our string of emails. ;-)
I’ll go first. ;-P Watch for it!
I wonder how many bloggers will give up the internet for Lent???? heehee ;-)
my church did a 21 day daniel fast starting at the beginning of the year. it was hard but so worth it. I think sometimes i enjoy fasting because its a time to focus on the Lord and put aside normal everyday wants. it helps me to refocus my time and energy or maybe re-prioritize a few things.
When I screwed up on Friday and had the chicken my sister said to me, “It’s ok, Sara, I think you’re life is enough of a sacrifice.”
And I thought… no, it isn’t. My life being difficult has nothing to do with being mindful of all I have because of His sacrifice. We all have things to work on and need to refocus.
And then I ate the chicken. Please don’t judge me ;)
The things I’ve chosen to do for Lent actually mean more to me when I am able to think of friends like you who are doing something to. I like not only honoring God, but offering it up for you and your intention as well.
I have also given something up for Lent and even though I do not go to a church that observes Lent, I have decided to do this to further my relationship with the Lord. I thought that this one thing that I gave up would be better for my life. I also want to hear if God is calling me to go somewhere or pursue a job after I graduate.
But one thing I don’t understand… if you “mess up” what happens?
interesting…
raisin bran — we are OVERdue! and this blogger is definitely not giving up internet for lent.
hannah — it’s been a while since i’ve fasted… i’ve heard a lot of people doing the daniel fast lately. hmm…
fritz friend — your perspective never ceases to challenge me. [and certainly no judgment here!]
mallory — what happens if you mess up? nothing. God’s not gonna beat you with a stick because you forgot or maybe not-so-unintentionally “messed up”. if you want to stick to it, redecide, recommit, tell some people for accountability, and keep going.
I observed Lent when I was a teenager. Of course I cheated and gave up stuff I really didn’t want, like liver.
This could explain why I am no longer a member of any church.
It does help to teach discipline, which we all need, by giving up something you really enjoy for some period of time, anytime during the year.
I love you and your heart!!! :)
@coloraturajoy says:
great post.
Self-righteousness can be blinding.
Well said. I’m feeling humbled…but I am thankful for the nudge.
@traceepersiko says:
A forty day fast, whether giving up one things or doing the Daniel fast…..which is dang hard!! i love me some meat! I always know it is honey for my soul.
I thought this lent my be different as i just gave up one thing, but it is hard. one space opened makes me feel and know i need him more. All it takes is one space for me. Emptied of one thing and i crave him.
@traceepersiko says:
you are great with people friend.
heidi — who goes to ohio is right!
ed — i’ve decided to permanently fast liver…
michelle — yeah that gets me too. still.
tracee — i’ve done two 40-day (full) fasts, and they were both really really good for my heart. someday soon i may need to do one again. “emptied of one thing and i crave him”… i need to feel that more than i do. that craving.
@traceepersiko says:
I am with you on the 40 day’ers. Daniel and i were BFF’s for some years there.
I will row for the craving
thank you for rowing, sweet faithful friend.
@traceepersiko says:
mg
@cassgirl says:
If I could… I would be in Ohio tonight as long there’s a couch and a latte and a beautiful friend’s heart close. :)
TQQ — i love you for that.
heidi — come on over!
I just love your honesty. You don’t sugar coat what’s really going on with you and I like that.
p.s. your blog header is my favorite one yet ;)
i let out a deep breath when i read your comment. thank you, rachel. truly.
[and i love this header too!]
i’m online!
@danielleH says:
maybe i’ll just send ya an email
yesssssssss!
@danielleH says:
i love you very, very much :)
(and i sent you an email)
yeller — i love you too, friend! thanks for the mail.
heidi — i’m at home. in bed. silly rabbit…
@cassgirl says:
Oh… I thought they only had internet in retaurants in Ohio!!
I’m sitting at my kitchen table, wondering if this donut will suffice?!!
thankfully i’ve got wifi where i’m at. THANK.FULL.EEE.
i want a donut!
now i might need to wander downstairs and nab a yogurt. (closest i can get to a donut.)
@cassgirl says:
Let’s see there’s maple bars or jelly filled white ones, or coconut one (yucko), french crueller with pink frosting,
@cassgirl says:
geesh.. I pushed the button too fast.. One cinnamon twist but you’ll have to wrestle my 6 ft son for that one.
jelly, jelly, jelly!
@cassgirl says:
You would be a jelly kind of person.
Not me but that’s okay.. I still love you.
(( alot))
thanks, heids. i love you!
@cassgirl says:
I’m headed to bed..
I have had a tough evening… My head is throbbing from thinking about what I should do.
(I’ll email you soon)
Prayin for you enormously…
I Love you!!!
i’ll keep talking to Him about you.
i’m sorry, friend…
g’night!
@tamhodge says:
“I wonder how many bloggers will give up the internet for Lent???? heehee ;-)”
BRANDOLYN! how could you even say such a thing!??!
i inadvertently gave up coffee for lent. i know, weird. i gave it up then was reminded of the timing. it started out as a health issue – now im needing to change my focus from not having coffee to meditating more on Him and all He has given up for me.
i love that it was inadvertent at first and now intentional.
you’re a hug for my heart tonight, tamster. thanks for all the comments.
@cassgirl says:
Give up blogging for Lent? GAH!! No way!!
We are long overdue for a G&G match, but I don’t think Starbucks are open that late in Ohio??? Who goes to Ohio?? Only kidding.
((love you))
@danielleH says:
you’re online :)
@cassgirl says:
Panera is sure open early in Ohio?