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Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the start of Lent. Like most Christians, I don’t exactly follow the fasting traditions of the season; however, I still observe the 40 days in my own way.
No matter what religion you are or how closely you follow Lent’s practices, I think each of us can learn something from this time of year – a lesson about sacrifice.
I’m sure you’ve heard the typical question, “What did you give up for Lent?” multiple times today. Though this form of sacrifice has taken a slightly secular turn, (the original Lenten season required Catholics to fast Monday through Friday) I’m glad the idea of giving up something still exists in our society.
We live in culture that increasingly feels like it’s entitled to things. I’m guilty of this too. I lie to myself by believing I deserve everything that I have and need it all to survive.
Giving something up or changing our lifestyle for Lent helps us remember once again that the only thing we really need in life is a relationship with our Savior. We can sacrifice ’til kingdom come, but as long as we have our God, life is still beautiful and worth-living.
Although I am not Catholic, I do find goodness in this human-constructed holiday when it is approached with the proper attitude. That is why, for the next 40 days, I have decided to sacrifice time.
I am setting aside an additional 15 minutes each day to spend in scripture and prayer. I know this isn’t the typical Lenten sacrifice, but time is valuable to me. Luckily, there isn’t another way I’d rather spend it.
Question: What did you give up for Lent?
