Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent – when people take the time to fast. “What are you giving up for lent?” is what you hear on the street. What I hear the most is chocolate, caffeine, sweets, facebook, and the list goes on.
But most often it’s some kind of indulgence that we partake in we give up. Sadly some of us give it up and we’re more excited about having it on Easter than we are in growing closer to the Lord during those 40-days. Others of us are excited to withhold these things from ourselves because we have the intention of weight-loss which in this day and age is everyone’s alternative goal. Sadly it seems that Lent has become the Spring weight-loss mechanism, and seems less Christ focused to me. In fact, if you think of it in terms of giving up sweets – I can only see it as a setup for an even harder restrict/binge crash at the end of the 40 days…
As I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord, I’ve learned that he has one thing He wants and that is for me to grow deeper in my relationship with him. Always. Lent to me now, is a time for me to open up the channel to grow closer with the Him. In my recovery and faith journey, I’m constantly on a path of walking towards Him but I hope this season will pave the way for an even deeper dive into His love.
So this morning, I got on my knees to pray for his will and when I got in my car, I just said “Hello, again” and set my intentions with the Lord for this season. I wanted to come to him in relationship with him, not in a way that fears his punishment for what I’ve done wrong. So I spoke with him.
I went and got ashes at a church that feels meditative to me and felt grateful at the end because I was able to spend the hour in purposeful deep breathing, getting into the moment with God. What an amazing thing it was.
I hope to get more of that time alone with him in contemplation throughout this season.
I’m reading a book called, Made to Crave and through it, I’m working on continually turning over my old relationship with food to Him – to take away cravings so he can fill them up, since he’s the only one who can.
Tonight, I’m going to spend time reflecting His word, with others – so I can get closer to his teachings, in fellowship.
And I’m going to stay focused on him through my Healthy Voice, try not let my Unhealthy Voice distract me so much – intentionally focusing on His mission for me.
These are my intentions and each one of them feels like it draws me closer to the Lord.
Giving up your favorite vice may be what works for you – let it be a launching pad to not just get closer to Him in the next 40-days but for the long-term, because that’s how long he’s there for you.
But most importantly – think about what is going to bring you closer in relationship to Him. Maybe it IS giving up one of these things. Maybe it’s being kinder. Maybe it’s learning to see yourself as He sees you – deeply loved…