Celebrating Lent

I am part of a church that follows a liturgical calendar.

Like all calendars, a liturgical calendar helps us remember the day and the season. On Wednesday we begin a new season again. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent.

Each time we get together we remind each other of our story and we share a meal. During Lent, we remind each other that we have what we need.

Lent is not about giving up things like chocolate or being online. Lent is a way to be honest, and intimately personal, in public.

During Lent we remember that, though we may not have everything we want, we have more than we need.

Each year, Lent helps us recognize again how much of our time, talent, and effort we put into acquiring things that distract us from the Sacred and Holy that surrounds us. Each year, we realize that we can live without something we thought was essential.

Each year, Lent teaches us to see our lives in new ways.

Many people view Lent as a time of deprivation and sacrifice. Others experience it as an opportunity to demonstrate their own strength of will and worthiness. I am coming to appreciate that Lent is a time of deep lessons, lessons I need to be reminded of each year.

Last year, I gave up fear for Lent. While I am not completely fearless now, my fear has less power over me.

This year, I am going to focus on the balance of working and not working. This Lent, I anticipate being reminded about some of the deep lessons we learn from working and resting. I will celebrate a more contemplative Lent.

What are the deep lessons you need to be reminded about right now?

How will you be celebrating Lent this year?

[Image by UnnarYmir]