dar334

As I’m sitting here shuffling papers and listening to Pandora, I’m reminded of the Lenten Season coming up.  Giving up something for Lent has never been high on my priority list just as New Years Resolutions aren’t high on that list either.  Both can sometimes be very difficult to keep and embarrassing when you fail.

I feel like I need to start with an definition of what my pondering topic is, more for my own benefit than the 3 people that may read the entire blog.  It’s unfortunate because as a graduate of Disciple, I’m suppose to carry His word on to others, which can be difficult if they won’t listen or read to the end.  And as I ponder that little quip, I truly believe they don’t want to hear the Word because they don’t like what it says, they want to do what they want, not what God instructs …….. that’s another topic to ponder at a later time.

I went to google and typed in “What is Lent”.  I was given this as the first answer:  ‘past and past participle of lend.’  …….. * eye roll * ……….   As my eyes went further down the list of topics found, I came upon one from crosswalk.com where I gleaned this:  ‘Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer.’  So why then do we give something up for the 40 days of Lent?  As I scanned further down the article, I found it’s not so much giving something up, it’s fasting and praying.  ‘Fasting is a practice that has really gone by the wayside in many Christian circles. Yet, if done correctly, it can be a powerful time of renewing your relationship with God.  Fasting is a way of denying ourselves the excesses of life so that we might be more attuned to the Lord’s voice. It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your “spiritual muscles” so to speak, so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying “no” to your desires. And finally, fasting is also a way of participating, in a small way, in the sufferings of Christ and can be particularly powerful when accompanied by prayer and confession.’  It goes on to say that we shouldn’t deprive our body so much that we cause harm to our body.

I by no means want to criticize anyone or point fingers of judgment, but I’m not sure giving up something like chocolate is really putting ourselves in a situation equal to what Jesus gave up those 40 days he spent in the wilderness.  Quite honestly, anything we would give up that would be equal to what he went through would cause harm to our bodies.  As I pondered this, and pondered things I see in my minuscule surroundings, I’ve decided to come up with something to give up that would make me a better person, and I’m not going to just give it up for 40 days, I’m going to try to give it up forever.  I’ve decided I’m going to try really hard not to be the person that feels I need to act in revenge.  I’m not going to be the one to tailgate the driver that pulls out in front of me, or find a reason to criticize you because you criticized me.  As God says in Deuteronomy 32:35 “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.  In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”  Trust me, although letting God be the avenger will not cause my body harm, but it is a temptation that will be extremely difficult for me to walk away from.  I will try my best, and I’m grateful God will forgive me when I slip, I’m also confident He will be pleased when He sees the times I succeed.  

So much to ponder,

-dar