I've been asked (and criticized for) why I choose to "give things up" and exactly how I think it makes me a better person. And my answer has always been the same: it doesn't make me a better person to observe the tradition; I do it because it is a way of identifying myself with Christ's 40 days of self-deprivation. The Lenten season is a time of preparation for Easter and I try to make a conscious effort to spend more time reflecting on Jesus: his suffering, his sacrifice, his death and resurrection. I share this not with arrogance or self-righteousness (Lord knows I am imperfect and always in need of His grace!) but in celebration and remembrance of Christ.
This year, I chose to give up three things that, although seemingly harmless, are personal choices where I am distracted and not at my best. Ultimately, they are paths that do not lead me to Him.
This afternoon, as I was clearing off a table in my office, I picked up an old book and tugged at the folded piece of paper I had been using as a bookmark. I unfolded the paper and smiled; I love how God shows me He is always near. On this paper was a Lenten prayer I had written down almost twenty years ago:
Lenten Prayer: Fast and Feast
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on our oneness.
Fast from the darkness around us; feast on the light of Christ.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on words that purify.
Fast from withholding anger; feast on sharing feelings.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from hostility; feast on letting go.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from suspicion; feast on seeing the good.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on spreading good news.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayerful trust.
Fast from talking, feast on listening.
Wishing you all a blessed season!
What a great prayer Angie! Hope your day today and the rest of the week are blessed!
ReplyDeleteAngie, what a beautiful prayer. I will be praying for your heart to draw closer to Him during this Lenten season. God bless you!
ReplyDeletei have missed your posts so i'm very glad to see you're back.
ReplyDeletegood luck with giving up those 3 things during lent (:
I love this Angie! I have seen that same question, or way of thought...people think others give up something to make themselves better, but that's not it at all. Nothing makes us better than others or perfect or more loved by God.
ReplyDeleteThe prayer is beautiful, and I'm working on all of those things. I also know that God is merciful to me, because I will never achieve them all, but I will continue to work on them. Thinking of you sweet friend.
xo