"There is a temptation to see Lent as a time of self-improvement, during which my focus is on myself. ... Let our focus be not on ourselves, but on Jesus." (from The Magnificat Lenten Companion)
Recently, I have heard more and more about Lent; before, I never really thought about the 40 days only ever considering that this is the time that Catholic's celebrate and there are fish sales, fish-frys, etc
Andrew and I have been talking a lot lately about lent and questioning its purpose. This morning as I read this quote I have more of sense of conviction to participate, as its intended to be. Lent is not about me. Nor should it be. I think that I am not in the "minority" that think of lent in that way, the wrong way. I was trying to think of things I should give up...and quite honestly, there are a LOT OF THINGS I should give up: sweets, sodas, complaining, faithlessness, greed, internet, the list goes on...
oh, there I go again, focusing on me!
So, for this simple Lenten season in our lives, I'm going to rest. I'm going to rest in God's goodness. I'm going to trust that He is at work, though I see lots of work that needs to be done around here. I'm going to open my heart and my hands and ask God to fill them with Himself.
I have heard this song several times this week, finally I told God that I got the point, He must be playing it on repeat on Pandora just for me. I wasn't listening closely enough the first time. I have been a huge fan of Mercy Me for a while, and it's an older song, but the words hit me square between the eyes as I've been praying about a lot of things.
Thank you, God, for speaking to me!
This is going to be my prayer over the next 40 days
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