Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins
Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.
I was speaking with my co-worker today about Lent and I am so blessed that she is as excited about this season as I am. What a gift from God to work with a believer and be able to share this season as we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
We shared our favorite parts of Lent, the sacrifices that we are wanting to make and the growth in our relationship with Jesus that we are hoping for.
As we discussed Fat Tuesday we noticed that we both were having quite a day and that it was easy to say, we’ll start tomorrow. It reminded me of my rebellious years when I didn’t have a relationship with God and felt that there was no hope for me so I might as well live it up. That hopeless and worthless feeling really played into living an indulgent lifestyle.
But Jesus……changed all that. The hope that He gives and the promises far outweigh anything this world has to offer. No matter how far I fall, He can reach further. Instead of living to earn something, He has offered me a real life, one of living for Him with a heart of gratitude, not expecting anything. Realizing the enormous sacrifice He made for me helps me to understand that in receiving Him, I’ve received more than I ever deserved or could imagine.
Life can become very routine and I find myself getting stagnant in my walk with God. Lent is a time to refocus and remember what my priority should be…Jesus.
The ashes are a reminder that we are from dust and to dust we will return. Life is short and we need to live it to the fullest for Christ. The ashes are also a reminder to repent. Think of Job in the bible who repented in dust and ashes. Repentance keeps us humble and reminds us of our daily dependence on God.
I invite you to join me for the next 40 days as I prepare to celebrate Easter Sunday. My goal is to have a renewed heart for God and to find hope, joy and depth in my walk with Christ each day along the way. I plan on celebrating Easter with everything in me and with lifted hands I will praise my risen Lord saying, He is Risen!
My prayer
Father, I am so excited for this Lenten season and a time to refocus on You. I want a renewed heart, a humble heart and serving heart. Refine me Lord and make me more like You. Let me make the most of each day and see You in all the moments along the way. Thank you Lord for loving me and for Your sacrifice for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
Genesis 3:19
“For dust you are and dust you will return.”