So often we reduce the season of Lent, if we acknowledge it at all, to giving up some indulgence. But this “spiritual spring” is also a season of “taking up.” We take up our cross, we take up a spiritual practice. Pay attention to how God would have you fill the space in your life created by your abstinence.
One of the practices I’m adding is to blog six days a week during Lent, offering my spiritual gifts of teaching and encouragement. the trick is to do this without self-focus. My goal is to articulate the stirrings of God in my heart, and point others toward him.
Here are two other great posts on the Lenten season:
This one’s from my friend Nicole Unice on giving up makeup for Lent.
The second is from my friend Ruth Haley Barton, on the real question of the Lenten season (hint: it’s not necessarily what are you giving up?)
Keri, I am SO glad you will be blogging! I love your words and your wisdom. And thanks for the shout-out. You know I consider you a mentor and I appreciate you looking out for me. Looking forward to journeying together through this Lenten season.
I was raised to give something up each Lenten season. The past few years I switched to using Lent as a season of reflection and renewal! This also works with New Year’s Resolutions! I read a wonderful devotion the other day that was focusing on the time the Hebrews were wandering in the desert. Life is not about the destination, but it is about the journey.
I just started celebrating Lent two years ago. It just has not been a part of the practices of the churches I have attended. I love it!! Since I have no “rules”, it gives God the opportunity to lead me wherever He wants.
Year one was good, year two less so, but year three is starting off great! I have been given a new lifetime habit, and I blog about the experience. It is amazing how loud God is when we have our ears open for Him. Thanks for the encouragement through the gift God has given you! Happy Lent!