Let the Lenten Journey Begin

"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience."~Galations 6:4-5 The Message Bible

The past two winters have been bitterly cold and blanketed the Midwest with one snowfall after another. It was quite a surprise that this winter has been so mild with little to no snowfall while enjoying daily temperatures above  average day after day. Even in the mild winter, I find myself yearning for those first signs of Spring because they mysteriously fill my soul with hope and excitement. I already have my garden laid out on paper and can't wait to taste those homegrown vegetables.  Each year when November arrives, there is a feeling that Spring will come, but we've got to persevere through the cold winter first. We understand the days will be cold, the snow may come whether predicted or not, the dark hours of the day increase, and that it's going to take a lot more energy to heat our homes and drive our cars to get through the winter. Winter reminds me in many ways of the journey of Lent.

Tomorrow is the first day of the 2012 Lenten journey. Not all Christian denominations focus on Lent, but for those of us that do, it's a sharp and intentional way of changing our thoughts and actions as we journey through these next weeks that lead to Good Friday and Easter. Often I hear this question posed during Lent, "What are you giving up for Lent?"  It's a question that's been asked through the generations. I wonder how different the response would be if the question was changed to, "What am I going to 'give to' during Lent to respond to my love for Jesus?"  I, personally, like the second question a little better than the first. I know it's somewhat a play on words, but I believe Jesus doesn't ask us to "take away," but he asks us to "give to."  He commands us to give to the poor, the needy, the widow, the hungry, the sick, the unwanted, and the distraught. Some may argue that through giving we are actually giving up something. But, are we really?

Think of a time that you did something really special for someone that you were able to see and feel the recipient's response. How did it feel when you looked in that person's eyes and saw their appreciation? I'm guessing that you probably felt that you had received more than you had given.  I know that is how I felt. Sometimes when I start on a project, I can grumble a bit here and there about how much there is to do, but as I progress I always learn that Jesus has brought the gift  to "my" life. I've also been blessed to be surrounded by people that help balance me. It's as if Jesus put them in my life to remind me that life isn't all about me. Every time you think about and act upon what you can give to better the lives of others, you are bettering your own life. It's not really a question of, "What can I give up?", but rather a question of "What can I give?"

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent. My goal this Lenten season is to think of one thing I can "give to" rather than "give up" each day to grow closer to Jesus. It can be as simple as spending more time reading my Bible, helping a friend, stepping in where I see a need, sharing a hug, or spreading God's Love whenever and wherever the opportunity arises. It's a way for me to take a sharp and intentional direction in my faith walk as I journey through Lent.

Lent reminds me of those November days when I think about the winter months ahead that lead to Spring. It's a time to refocus my energies and survive the darkness, but always with the knowledge that I'm heading to the light and blessings that I know Easter will bring. Some things are gong to take more energy because it's the nature of the season. Nestled in the darkness and doubt, Jesus will find ways for me to grow closer to Him as I learn more about giving. So, as Paul writes in the verse above, "Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life," we find motivation to give to others through our own unique selves. As the Lenten journey begins, it's a time to intentionally and intensely  focus on giving of myself in response to my love for Jesus. Amidst the darkness, I have no doubt that I will find Light at the end of the journey.

Let us pray:

Father of Light,
Tomorrow we begin this journey through Lent. Help us recognize opportunities to give to others in a way that reflects our love for You and to give ourselves to You in all that we do. Thank you for reminding us that even Jesus had to endure the darkness here on earth before returning fully to the Light.
Amen.