The valleys and hills of Lent

As we enter into this second week since Ash Wednesday we may begin to encounter those highs and lows of the season. It's like that road trip in the car. Unless you are crossing western Kansas, there are hills and valleys that you drive through. The ups and downs of the road can make you sick or they can cause you to recognize the landscape around you.

Lent is much the same. We have those ups when we are praying daily, we are fasting twice a week or we are staying away from the chocolate we've given up. But then we may hit a down when we may eat too much on our days of fact or forget to take time to pray that day or simply feel like the Lenten season is weighing on you. This is when we can simply get sick of all these Lenten sacrifices and call it quits. Or this is when we have that opportunity to realize that these ups and downs are actually helping us to grow in our faith. They are a part of the landscape of Lent. Outside of Lent, eating a piece of chocolate after not having any for weeks wouldn't even phase us. We wouldn't even think about not praying that day outside the season. We wouldn't even question having a huge meal or having a couple of snacks during the day. The season of Lent has changed that, however. Because of Lent we are recognizing our need for prayer, our need of moderation and our need for sacrifice and how they can impact our lives. They make us stop and think. They cause us to look inwardly at ourselves instead of outwardly at the world.

We can see these ups and downs as a failure or as a blessing of growth and self-awareness. They can be obstacles between us and God or they can be the motivation that draws us closer to Him.

Thursday of the 1st Week of Lent: This can be a time to recognize our need to trust in God. Pray: Lord, give me the simplicity of heart to do as your have asked to the best of my ability.

Friday of the 1st Week of Lent: Our faith is truly a desire for us to be in relationship with God. Pray: May these Lenten sacrifices draw me more closer to God through His Son.

Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent: We can face many hardships and struggles through Lent. Pray: Heavenly Father, give me a heart to endure the struggles in my life by uniting me with the Cross of your Son.

BTW, a happy and blessed Valentine's day to all my readers. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 07:02 | link | comments |
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