Image by Melissa Clayton
Hey Ladies. So its that time of year again. Where we all in a way groan and sigh and start thinking of things to give up to take away our happiness and its time to be in a state of sorrow where Joy isn’t allowed.
No. That is not lent. That is not how we should approach lent. I know there are different opinions on lent and different spiritual understandings of lent. But none the less, lent is not a time to take away our happiness and all things “good” in life to replace it with saying that we're bad people and need to get better and we have to appreciate what we have. Some people might have this mindset and others might not.
What is lent anyway? I say the Lenten season is all about opportunity and flourishing. Can you think of a time where something was holding you back from the next big thing and you had to get rid of it this block somehow in order to get to that next big thing? Well, lent is the perfect time where we see that rock or obstacle keeping us back from living our life in a way that is true, good, and beautiful and we face it and overcome it.
What is that next big thing? I don’t know. You may or may not know but God knows. He’s the one that can see the whole puzzle when we only see the puzzle piece. So that “next big thing” or “opportunity” we’re trying to go towards is Christ. Its Christ because once we are face to face with him, everything else falls into its place and then we know we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
What is that “obstacle” or “rock” we are trying to overcome? Well, most of the time it’s ourselves and our sin. “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted and he himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full grown brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15).
I don’t know about you ladies, but I don’t want to die, actually, I want to live with Christ, here and in heaven. That is the goal! But it’s obviously harder than just thinking it into being and it happening right away, at least for us humans. Living this life can be beautiful and full of joy and love. We CAN live a life of freedom from sin. Its possible! I promise. It also takes work. These next couple days let's ease into lent and all that comes with it. Let’s get our minds prepared and focused on this journey ahead. It is a journey so remember that no journey is complete without a few bumps in the road.
God bless you sisters. You are loved!
