Yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the first day of the countdown to Easter.
Lent.
It's a term that I had only been introduced to a few years ago by my friends in high school who, one day, showed up to school with a black cross on their forehead. These friends, all of a sudden, couldn't eat meat on Fridays, had to resist eating gum, and even "gave up" swearing. At first, I didn't see the point. To me, a girl who had grown up in the church, Christ had already sacrificed himself at the cross, so why were people spending 40 days devoured in the thoughts of what they couldn't consume?
So why do I celebrate and partake?
Tradition.
I once took a Christian Heritage class in college. We learned about the roots of Christianity and how, over time, denominations formed. Within these denominations, early church leaders began the tradition of counting down the days to Easter by creating a 40-day (not counting Sundays) era of remembrance of the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on a cross 2,000 years ago. Partaking in Ash Wednesday and even Lent is a part of my heritage as a Christian.
Remembrance
To partake, believers are encouraged to sacrifice something that may be consuming or distracting in their life. Most people, from what I've learned, sacrifice foods or unhealthy practices. But why? Giving up something in your life is not easy. It's hard to deny that piece of gum in class, or go out to eat and not be able to order anything on the menu. However, in the grand scheme of things, this should be so simple. For 40 days, believers are challenged to relieve themselves of worldly consumption. For 40 days, believers are asked to fill those spaces with the reminder that Jesus Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for us to live forever with him. I do this to remind myself that I wasn't made to live a life of luxury on Earth, it's not possible. I do this to remind myself that Jesus offers life that is so much greater than the things I have and do.
So what am I giving up?
(it's not takis)
This year, I'm not giving up the traditional "fast food, sugar, meat, etc.". I have honestly prayed about this and instead, I'm giving up things about myself that don't quite reflect on what I eat. I'm giving up
Control
For the past few weeks my life has been absolutely devoured with appointments, assignments, and everything in between. I've been so incredibly busy that I've actually forgotten to eat a few meals, which is absolutely unheard of for me. School and work have taken control of everything I do. Relationships have been hurt and finances have been thrown out the window. I've tried my best to keep my car on the road, but finally, I'm letting Jesus take the wheel. (Thnx Carrie)
This Lent, and hopefully forever, I'm choosing to let God take control. I've spend far too many nights wide awake at the thought of the countless things I have to get done. I've been reminded from friends, family, and the word itself that I can't do this on my own. I need others to help, and I need to allow them to. More importantly, I need God to help, and I need to allow him to.
Although this definitely won't be easy, I want to make this work. Yesterday during the Ash Wednesday service, I was overwhelmed with a feeling that it was time to let go. And He was right. So instead of giving up the tangible things, maybe think of something you could offer to Jesus that allows you to worship him more fully. May your heart be open to all he can do for you.
Stay Beautiful,
Megs
Remembrance
To partake, believers are encouraged to sacrifice something that may be consuming or distracting in their life. Most people, from what I've learned, sacrifice foods or unhealthy practices. But why? Giving up something in your life is not easy. It's hard to deny that piece of gum in class, or go out to eat and not be able to order anything on the menu. However, in the grand scheme of things, this should be so simple. For 40 days, believers are challenged to relieve themselves of worldly consumption. For 40 days, believers are asked to fill those spaces with the reminder that Jesus Christ gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for us to live forever with him. I do this to remind myself that I wasn't made to live a life of luxury on Earth, it's not possible. I do this to remind myself that Jesus offers life that is so much greater than the things I have and do.
So what am I giving up?
(it's not takis)
This year, I'm not giving up the traditional "fast food, sugar, meat, etc.". I have honestly prayed about this and instead, I'm giving up things about myself that don't quite reflect on what I eat. I'm giving up
Control
For the past few weeks my life has been absolutely devoured with appointments, assignments, and everything in between. I've been so incredibly busy that I've actually forgotten to eat a few meals, which is absolutely unheard of for me. School and work have taken control of everything I do. Relationships have been hurt and finances have been thrown out the window. I've tried my best to keep my car on the road, but finally, I'm letting Jesus take the wheel. (Thnx Carrie)
This Lent, and hopefully forever, I'm choosing to let God take control. I've spend far too many nights wide awake at the thought of the countless things I have to get done. I've been reminded from friends, family, and the word itself that I can't do this on my own. I need others to help, and I need to allow them to. More importantly, I need God to help, and I need to allow him to.
Although this definitely won't be easy, I want to make this work. Yesterday during the Ash Wednesday service, I was overwhelmed with a feeling that it was time to let go. And He was right. So instead of giving up the tangible things, maybe think of something you could offer to Jesus that allows you to worship him more fully. May your heart be open to all he can do for you.
Stay Beautiful,
Megs
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