April 3, 2009
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The Last Week
Remember a while back (I would say 39 days ago) that I mentioned Lent? It turns out, I did decide to observe Lent this year–my very first one. I was ready for the 40 days of sacrifice, and it was rather a rude awakening in the middle of Lent to realize it is actually 46 days long. (Sundays don’t count.)
I’m not exactly sure what I expected from this experience. I suppose I thought that by this time in the process I would have been closer to God and have been given new insights into His character that I wouldn’t have understood without this time of sacrifice. This has not been the case. Perhaps my hopes were too high. Giving up something for a month and a half isn’t such big a deal, especially when compared to sacrificing your life for someone else.
Now, what have I learned from Lent? Well…maybe I can better answer that question after Easter. I still have eight days to go!
How’s your Lenten season going?
Comments (13)
I think I have learned more about my own character, or lack thereof, during Lent this year. I have learned more about the habits I form. It has been interesting, but not spirit shaking.
=)
Old Hat
I have never observed Lent, but I think your observation that it isn’t such a big deal is really interesting! I’ve always wondered if it wouldn’t be an effective thing for children, though. So often kids (at least nowadays) don’t know what it is to give up something.
I’ve appreciated your and your husband’s example… how a couple can stay ‘in love’ / grow more ‘in love’ over the years… I always get a chuckle and am impressed by your husband’s romantic gifts and memorable touches each year, and I like how you blog about them and praise him in front of… eh… the whole blogosphere…
He and El Mano could write a book… 
Must be those math brains….
I have never done Lent. You might enjoy doing the Beth Moore study Believing God. Hard to explain, but it’s one of the very best I’ve ever done.
I grew up giving up something for Lent every year (Catholic). I wonder if it’d mean more now……hmmmm.
That is an interesting question! I think I will answer it on my blog.
I have had amazing, earth-shattering personal reveleations through my Lenten observations. I’ve also had years that were simply a time of awareness of what Jesus did for me on the cross. This year seems to be my weakest Lent in memory. I expected this year to live out Lent as a spiritual giantess (in renewed and increased prayer discipline)…and discovered I simply am NOT a spiritual giantess. Maybe that’s not a lame lesson. Maybe it is. But I’m hoping Holy Week will prove better. And I must say that this Lent has had a wonderful peace and simply just knowing God. “Be still and know” might be the theme this year. Hmm. I’ll think on that.
I’ve never observered lent before, no particular reason just haven’t. Hey, what did you give up?
@rjdohner -
I gave up reading. If it wasn’t the Bible or Christian non-fiction, it was taboo. I’m hoping to finish The Genesis Record.
I don’t seem to get with the program for the seasons of the Church either. My most frustrating one is Advent. I’m ready to celebrate Christmas about January 15th.
I am really proud of you for your sacrifice this Lent season. To some this probably does not sound like much of a sacrifice. But I know you well with regard to reading, and I know it has meant something to you. Well done!!
WELL! I’d say there are no other comments worth reading than that of TGDJ! A commendation like that from your husband who knows you and even sent “flowers” with it! Everything else rates about as much as deer scat!
(Way to go, TGDJ!! You get high scores for practicing that kind of love for your wife!)
@aj1965 -
Deer scat? You are awesome.