"It’s not at all important whether we name this particular 40 days Lent. It’s not important whether we think in terms of a church calendar. There aren’t certain specified activities that must be done. Whatever we do or don’t do and whether or not we give a name to the season, at the end of 40 days, it will be Easter, the most important day of the year for a Christian. Will it sneak up on us, or will we have prepared our hearts?"
"Traditionally Lent is a season of sober, realistic reflection on our own lives and our need for a Savior. It is a time for turning away from anything that has kept us from God and for turning or returning to him. It is a time to pray that God renew our love for him and our dependence on him."
-- Noel Piper
at the risk of losing any respect, i'm going to be brutally honest.
up until 2 years ago, i didn't know what LENT meant. at all.
i grew up going to baptist/presbyterian/non-denominational Bible churches my whole life (we moved a lot. and we went where the Bible was being taught) and the term "lent" was only associated with Catholics. i thought it was just their thing. but i didn't know what that thing was.
and, i don't know how it was brought to my attention 2 years ago, but it was.
and my heart listened.
a time to focus more intently on Him? sounds good to me!
to be even more intentional about how i spend my life? yes.
i started reading about it 2 years ago.
and loved what i read.
but didn't "do" it.
last year, well, i was just coming out of a very dark season and couldn't handle, um, anything.
but, in reality, when i think back on that time, i think it WAS a season of lent for me. i just didn't realize it at the time!
this year, i'm all in. (it starts tomorrow)
i'm not sharing what/how.
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Matthew 6:18-20
but it IS going to be a big deal. i think it should be something that affects as close to every minute of your day as possible.
i want to press into Him HARD. i want to know Him more. i want to NEED Him every moment. i want my life to glorify Him.
{curious to read more? read here (LOTS of resources at the bottom of this post!) and here.
also, GREAT idea to do with your kids here. maybe one day. but not this year for us.}
4 comments:
i am in the same boat as you. had no idea people other than catholics observed lent. then a few years ago it came up on my radar. i think it's an amazing time when done with the true intent and not just the doing of it.... you've challenged me.....
i loved your insight that perhaps your dark time was a season of lent.
and if you give up the computer, we will know. :) and that means we'll be giving you guys up for lent. please don't do it! (p.s. are you going to the women's retreat? i'm seriously considering it if my friends are going!)
Yeah, to me Lent was always a 'Catholic thing' too.
But I have been getting some very definite leadings toward doing Lent this year and some very definite direction as to what that looks like for me.
Thanks for continuing to share your heart and your family with all of us out here in blogland
Let the self-emptying begin...
I'll be back on the blog I think for this season, finally talking about the last year, Ina context of lament, repentance and self-emptying.
Robyn
On my Phone here
I grew up Catholic with all the no meat/fish fry Friday's, constantly going to confession, stations of the cross, etc. After I "quit religion" honestly I bunched Lent in with all the other things I thought the Catholic religion made up. I understand now the real meaning of those 40 days, it's not that I just can't eat meat :) I'm thankful for your insight and honesty Courtney! Many blessings on these next 40 days until He is Risen Indeed!
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