Every year I look forward to Lent. Although I could (and should) do it throughout the year, the 40 days before Easter are a meaningful way for me to slow down and reevaluate. And boy do I need to slow down and reevaluate! At no other time more than during Lent do I feel God asking me to step up to the plate and surrender something to Him that has been pulling me away from Him. And no, I don’t mean chocolate.
Sure, some of us give up sweets, or social networking, or coffee, or wine, or shopping, and that’s fine, because detaching from stuff that may have gained power over us and exercising self-control often serves to awaken our spiritual self. But I don’t think that’s really the kind of surrendering God wants from us. I’m not saying giving up these things is not sacrifice enough for Lent. Trust me, 40 days without chocolate a cranky girl makes. However, I’ve learned that chocolate doesn’t keep me from sitting in peace through Mass, but refusing to move forward with God’s plan does; that social networking is not a barrier between me and Christ, pride is; and that coffee doesn’t harden my heart, resentment does.
Lent is a time to work on ourselves and to remember His suffering and His sacrifice in a meaningful, physical, and spiritual way, so we can prepare to celebrate the Resurrection with full joy. I know the times I gave up just things of the flesh, I didn’t really grow all that much and when Easter came I felt spiritually bummed. That’s why I think we need to challenge ourselves to take a hard look at where we’re struggling and focus our Lenten sacrifices there. We need to truly participate in the Cross in order to be transformed and receive the blessings this sacred season promises.
As for me, my surrendering kicked in a few days early this year, and I pray that tomorrow morning as I receive the blessed ashes, I am given the strength to continue my Lenten challenge: to let go of things of the past so I can find peace, to give up my pride and put love into action, to offer my bitterness for forgiveness — yeah I’m going for broke I know, wish me luck.
Everyone’s journey of Lent is different of course. Whatever you choose to give up, take on, give in, or offer up, make it something meaningful for you.Ask the Holy Spirit to help you reach a deeper level of holiness and don’t be afraid to do something that will really test you. Live a better Lent this year. Nothing to lose in trying really, but much to gain. Let’s trust that ultimately in our struggle God will transform us. Because Lent isn’t for God you know, it’s for us. I don’t think He wants our chocolate…He wants us!
Have a blessed one my dear friends and family.
Give up complaining–focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism–become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments–think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry–trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement–be full of hope.
Give up bitterness–turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred–return good for evil.
Give up negativism–be positive.
Give up anger–be more patient.
Give up pettiness–become mature.
Give up gloom–enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy–pray for trust.
Give up gossiping–control your tongue.
Give up sin–turn to virtue.
Give up giving up–hang in there!
Love, love loved it! And funny enough, I was thinking about this very same thing this morning on my drive in. I’m not giving up chocolate or wine or other indulgences. I’m working on me. Thanks for sharing!
Got my work cut out for me that’s for sure…lol.
Wow, thank God for you Connie for He continues to “talk” to us through you. May He continue to bless us all with lots of strength in our long spiritual journey. Peace.
Amen to that.
Connie: Very well written, my friend!
L,
Joyce
Thank you.
I needed inspiration and guidance today, Ash Wednesday. I Googled, I read and then remembered that you had posted. Like so many times before, I received His message, the one that speaks loudest to me, through your words. Thank you again. He speaks through you in simple and funny terms that ring oh so clearly.
May God bless you and yours, today and always my friend.
Monica
I’m glad you found what you needed this morning. Friends like you are His gift to me. May you and your gang have a blessed Lent. xoxo.
As I’ve read people’s different reflections on Lent, and sacrifice, and what the latter means (especially in relation to the former, but not exclusively), I’ve been surprised to learn how people’s thoughts different on what kinds of things should be given up and why. Do you give up something that isn’t very good for you, anyway (and, if so, why not give it up for more than just Lent)? Do you give up something good, but which may be a luxury (thus fulfilling the “sacrifice” concept)? Do you give up something good, but which may be a distraction (thus enabling one to focus more on God)?
I’m not saying any one particular view (especially of those last two questions) is particularly right or wrong, but it seems clear to me that there’s a wide divergence of opinion when it comes to how Lent should best be observed.
“[C]offee doesn’t harden my heart, resentment does.” Truth in a nutshell, amiga. I struggled with that for a long, long time, until I finally realized (through a LOT of prayer and the understanding and support of my ever-patient friends, who listened, listened some more, and then listened even more to my “Why, why, why???” when I could not understand the actions of people in my life) that resentment is sort of like trying to eat soup with a fork, useless, accomplishes zip. I realized that it was not for me to ask why, but to just accept I did my best and it was time to just walk, let go, breathe, take joy in life, be thankful. When you let go and allow God to take over, things just fall into place and you find yourself going “Ah, should have done this sooner.” Surrendering to Him, saying, okay, you know what, I am turning it over to You. Not just saying it, but truly meaning it, I believe, makes all the difference. And since I am reading this on Thursday night, may I say I am continually thankful for you and our friendship. A Blessed Lent to you and yours. Sending you hugs and blessings.
Well I can tell you I’ve tried for years to eat that soup with a fork…total waste of time, I agree with you. And yes, I’m already looking back and shaking my head at myself. We live and learn though, right?
Thanks Amiga!