Observing Lent

I've never been one to stick with anything for Lent. Sure, a few times I tried to give up sweets for Lent like the rest of America, but I always caved after 2 days or so! With the right motivation, giving up sweets, or any other sacrifice, is good. It's about the motivation of our hearts. My motives were usually selfish and not focused on the Easter holiday .

Lent should be a time for self reflection. A reminder of the great sacrifice that Christ made for us. A time to be immersed in His presence to remember Who He is and who we are in Him.

This year, I'm challenging myself to get serious about sacrifice and really give something up. But, I'm forgetting about food sacrifices all-together. It just doesn't work for me. So, this year I'm giving up TV. I have 2 small children that are busy... very busy. At the end of the day I love to curl on the couch with a comfy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and just veg out. It feels good to turn my brain off and just sit. But I feel God calling me to a season of being more deliberate about what I'm feeding my mind. So, goodbye Jack. Oh, I love 24 dearly, but Jack and I will have to catch up on reruns.

In place of my dearly beloved, mind-numbing TV watching I plan to fill that time with reading about Him.

The focus of Lent is often on giving something up. Instead my focus will be on what I'm gaining. I plan to reconnect and gain a deeper, closer relationship with my Creator.

Anyone else observing Lent this year? What are you doing?