The Art of Lent

For so many years, I misunderstood what the actual purpose of Lent was. I did the traditional things that I was taught because I was taught to do them, not entirely because I knew why. It wasn't until I was at least 30 that I had a grasp of why and I'm really still learning. So this blog post is going to be about what I know and believe to be true about the time of Lent.

Entering into a time of prayer, fasting, or whatever you chose to diminish for the time period of 40 days- has to be done with intent and for the right reason. If you choose to give up something it should be something that is truly hindering your walk with Christ. The season of Lent's purpose of fasting and abstinence is meant to draw you closer to the Lord, not just a way to lose a few pounds.

Now, I have given up things like Facebook and Starbucks in the past. If you know me at all, you know I'm a sucker for scrolling down the News Feed that is the time-suck called Facebook or that I can't refuse a Chai Tea Latte. For me, at the time, these things were prevalent enough to me and were distracting me from honoring God with my time and my money.

Now, in the past few years, I've changed my mentality as not one of what I am taking or sacrificing, but adding something that will replace my old worldly habits and turn them into more Christ like habits. This year, to be honest, Lent snuck up on me. I wasn't quite prepared as I have been to choose what habits I would add during this time. To  be honest, I felt like I had been changing my habits and mindset for quite a while, so honing in on one, well, that was tough.

Probably, the greatest thing that I still have a hard time surrendering is my finances. It's hard to not think that about how my dollar is going to last during this lean year. Yet, it has. So, in an attempt to change my view of my finances- I've taken on a attitude of poverty. My focus is simply this: that every time that I wonder or try understand how God is going to provide for me- I remind myself that I have everything that I need. Sure, I'd like that new dress or a new pair of boots- but do I need them? Is having those things going to bring me closer to Christ? I'm not going to lie- it has been difficult, but it is amazing to see what you do have, when you stop focusing on what you don't.

I've also decided to add in a reading of the New Testament during these 46 days and yes, I'm already behind, but I know God honors my efforts and graces me with a new day to begin again.

So, no matter what you have chosen to give up, sacrifice, or add- I pray that it draws you closer to the one who added Himself to this earth to be sacrificed for us all.