When Allison was in law school we met Jeff and Ashley Beck. They became, and are still, some of our very best friends in the world. It was through this relationship that we were first introduced to Lent. Traditionally Lent is 40 days in length. This represents the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert, during which He was tempted by Satan. There are several practices that are associated with Lent. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer, fasting, and giving. Since learning about Lent, Allison and I have tried to give something up each year. I also think each year I get a better understanding of what Lent means or at least what it means for me.
One day in the last week or so Allison suggested that I give up Facebook and Twitter for Lent. My first thought was, "Nah, that would be no fun at all." If I'm honest, however, that thought had crossed my mind more than once prior to that conversation but I had just brushed it aside. By her mentioning it, it was sort of confirmed that maybe that is what I need to do. So, beginning today I am fasting from Twitter and Facebook. I don't necessarily think they have a grip on me or are a vice, but they definitely take up time that I can use to grow closer to God. I am also going to try to add another hour to my day. Typically we try to go to be around 10pm and I get up around 6am. I am going to extend those hours. Probably 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. These will be times I use for prayer and studying God's Word.
My prayer is that I can use Lent as a time of reflection, learning, and growth toward God. Not just for the 40 days, but as a springboard for the future.
I would love to hear what others are doing. Do you give anything up for Lent? Do you add anything?
One day in the last week or so Allison suggested that I give up Facebook and Twitter for Lent. My first thought was, "Nah, that would be no fun at all." If I'm honest, however, that thought had crossed my mind more than once prior to that conversation but I had just brushed it aside. By her mentioning it, it was sort of confirmed that maybe that is what I need to do. So, beginning today I am fasting from Twitter and Facebook. I don't necessarily think they have a grip on me or are a vice, but they definitely take up time that I can use to grow closer to God. I am also going to try to add another hour to my day. Typically we try to go to be around 10pm and I get up around 6am. I am going to extend those hours. Probably 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. These will be times I use for prayer and studying God's Word.
My prayer is that I can use Lent as a time of reflection, learning, and growth toward God. Not just for the 40 days, but as a springboard for the future.
I would love to hear what others are doing. Do you give anything up for Lent? Do you add anything?
4 comments:
Thanks for the kind words Jeremy! Honestly, I haven't decided what to give up for Lent this year. I have trying to think of something that would help me grow spiritually and practically. So, so what I've been thinking is making a point to spend time each day with each of my girls. Our days get crazy, so taking just a few minutes with each of them may sound like a small thing, but I think it will help me to be more of the mom God would have me be.
I had never given anything up for Lent until last year when Allison told us about it at Bible study. I have been struggling with what to give up. Two things kept coming to my mind: facebook and sweets. This morning I was praying about what to give up and those same two things came to my mind. I am going to give them both up. I think every time I want to sign on facebook I am going to pray for whoever God puts on my heart. I am sure praying for friends/family is much better than just checking their status. Maybe I will blog about Lent as well. Thanks for setting such a good example for others.
I find Lent to be a strange and complicated thing. I share some thoughts here...http://soimcolorblind.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-are-you-giving-up-for-lent.html
Ashley, I am sure even a small amount of time will make a big impact and make a few little girls happy!
Heather, ah sweets. Those two are tough. I am with you on spending the time you would otherwise spend on Facebook in prayer. That's what I'm going to try to do with my time as well.
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