Friday, February 19, 2010

This Competitive, Reflective Season



I've been rather oblivious to what's been going on in Vancouver until very recently.  Yesterday I was finally able to catch some of the Olympic Games on the T.V. at the laundromat, between loading washers and tracking down my toddler son.  Our T.V. at home is not connected to cable or an antenna, so it was a special treat to sit and watch a few events as the clothes spun round.

Meanwhile, I have been contemplating the Lenten season.  Our church doesn't do anything liturgical besides communion, so I'm in the same boat with Megan, at Sorta Crunchy.  I've nearly decided what I will do to mark the season this year.   For Lent I would like to give up my endless quests for novel recipes and simplify our meals.  This should free me to focus on other priorities, like preparing my heart to celebrate the resurrection and spending focused time with my three fast-growing children.

And how about you?  Are you planning anything for the Lenten season?  Or does your congregation join in remembering Lent together in some way?  I love to learn about the different ways people express their faith.  Diversity is invigorating, don't you think?

9 comments:

Kimberly said...

I am drastically reducing my computer time for lent. I want to use the time to be in His word instead.

Beth said...

My church has never really done anything special for Lent, and this year I'm realizing that, while I understand the concept, I've never really had the heart behind Lent. I'm going to have to do some praying about this this weekend! Thanks for sharing!

One More Equals Four said...

Our church doesn't normally do anything special, but last year we did fast. I fasted from blogging (gasp!) It was really wonderful! I learned and grew so much!

Have a great weekend!

Megan@SortaCrunchy said...

Oh, I like that idea! I think striving for simplicity during Lent absolutely reflects the spirit of the season.

Blessings on you!

bashtree said...

I blogged today about Lent too. I look forward to seeing everyone else's thoughts as we progress through the season.

Anonymous said...

This is my 2nd year at a church that does anything for Lent, and I don't think there was any Ash Wednesday service or any type of thing like that last year. Like most other comments I have seen so far on the topic, I don't know too much about it. I grew up in a Baptist church where it was observed.

mholgate said...

I hit the wrong button because your post comment button is such a light color! :)

I too, am in a church that does not collectively participate in Lent. I have not given up anything in the past. During this season I just spend time going over the scriptures leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection, and reflect on what He did for me. If I feel like God is calling me to fast, then I fast. It is not much different than any other season of my walk with Him. I just tend to focus more on His Son and the sacrifice that He made. From what I know about Lent, sacrificing something of our own reminds us of His sacrifice, so I guess that even without actually declaring it, I guess I participate in my own way.

May you find what you're looking for this Lent Season as you seek Him,
Melissa

Cari Kaufman said...

I haven't decided what I will be fasting from this Lenten season...perhaps I have too many vices. I have to think on this!

Rachel Anne said...

We don't normally observe Lent as far as "giving up something." I think we should do more to observe and participate in spiritual introspection and preparation for Easter. I'm starting to think about ways I can do this with my family, even if my church doesn't make a big deal out of it.

Hmmmm.....