Today is the start of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a period of preparation through penance, prayer, almsgiving, repentance of sins, atonement and self-denial, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert that is observed by Christians.
I don't think that the real purpose and idea of Lent is fully understood by many. Often people will simply give up something during Lent; exercising only the self-denial part of this season. I've heard people say they were giving up caffeine or alcohol or chocolate or TV for Lent. Rarely did I observe anyone completely follow through with his or her declared abstention though.
I always pondered this. And never thought much of this practice. What did it mean? What was gained by this self-denial? Simply giving up something often consumed will not bring a heightened spiritual awareness or forge a closer relationship with God or prepare someone for the Easter celebration.
While self-denial is one of the aspects of Lent, there is really much more to it than not consuming any Cokes or not eating meat on Fridays.
I will admit I have never put much effort into Lent. Over the years, this liturgical season has had more meaning for me though. I am a faux Catholic {faux because I go to a Catholic Church, a church I love, but I am not Catholic and yet my kids and husband are}. And for Catholics the Lenten season is serious business; something I learned very early in my relationship with my husband.
Well, this year, I began to really think about Lent and what it means and how we as a family can celebrate it, not just observe it. We will begin by going to an Ash Wednesday Eucharist tonight, but it won't stop there.
I happened to see a friend share a link on Facebook for a list of 40 Ideas for Keeping a Holy Lent from the House of All Sinners and Saints. This list resonated with me. It made more sense as to what should be taken into account during the Lenten season. This list was something I could follow.
This list is challenging, but also very doable for all members of the family. It gives those of us who are not disciplined and structured one task to do each day as we prepare ourselves through almsgiving, self-denial, repentance, atonement and prayer. I think that the tasks on this list will bring about a heightened spiritual awareness and give me personal insight as to what areas of my life I need to spend more time working on and how that time should be spent (praying/reading the Bible/spreading love and comfort, etc.).
This year I want to really take part in Lent and celebrate it. To merely observe it means that one is on the outside looking in. No one ever got anywhere simply observing something.
So, if Lent is something you celebrate or even if it's not, take a look at this inspiring list of ways to give back, share what you have, do good, live simply and without fear, resentment, regret or anger. No matter what you believe, this list could really impact you and those around you, not just for next 40 days, but for the rest of your years. And one thing I know for certain, it's got to be more beneficial than simply giving up chocolate for 40 days…ain't nobody wants to see that! Oh, and this site has some great ideas for celebrating Lent too. Over and out…
Anna
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