It always seems to sneak up on me. I know it’s approaching, but all of a sudden, it’s Ash Wednesday. We’ve always had a see-saw, love-hate type of relationship, Lent and me, but I’m trying to embrace it more deeply; after all, I wrote a book on it (coming later this year).
Lent starts today, and I am pondering what it will look like this year. Giving up chocolate, wine, or curse words is always a good start. However, there is more to Lent than giving up what we like or curbing a bad habit.
The first question I’m considering is how to draw nearer to God. Where, in my work, family, ministry, and throughout the day, can I make more time to be with the Lord and be aware of His presence?
The second question is, where do I need to work on self? Well, technically, I want to work on my lack of self—in other words, being less self-focused, self-conscious, self-absorbed, and self-seeking. Yes, working on self means being less like self so we can be more like our Heavenly Father.
One of the things I’ll be focusing on this Lent is being less critical, including less critical of myself. I’m incredibly self-critical, which we all struggle with to some degree. Too often, I focus on what goes wrong instead of what goes well. This Lent, I want to extend blessings to others instead of criticism, and give myself a little more grace instead of critique.
Now, I have plenty of areas where I am working on humility, where the Lord corrects and disciplines me. That battle is far, far from over. But there is a gray area where we can beat ourselves up too much in the quest for what? It may differ for each of us, whether acceptance, performance, perfectionism, ego, etc. Perhaps, it is something to think about, and blog about later.
So, I’m trying to remember that a healthy approach to balancing ‘self’ is to recognize our worth. After all, God said, we are wonderfully made! That is some good news to take with us into the Lenten desert. And in so doing, we remember that the Father deeply loves us and desires to draw us near.
How does God want to draw you closer this Lent, and what ‘self’ work would He like you to look at?
5 Responses
Drawing nearer to the Lord seems to be His request. Had a lovely moment with Him this morning when listening to the song, Hosea – “ come near to Me with all your heart”
Love that song! To bring Him our hearts; that what He wants!
Love that song too!
For many years, 30+, I’ve looked at lent as a time of what I may give into His service, rather than take away from myself. Of course, realizing that in doing so, I draw closer to my savior and become more available to do His will. In the end, I focus less on the things I could otherwise do without.
Thank you for your comments. I learned of your blog through your old college roommate’s mother. What a treasure her mom is and a true example of what it means to walk with Jesus in all she does.
Blessings this season on you and yours, Leslie.
Hi Lynn, great to connect. Thanks for your insight. Makes me think that it’s always the both/and, right? Serving through love and sacrifice, obedience and will, working and abiding. Over time, we end up closer to Him, falling more in love with our Savior and realizing how much He loves us. Blessings to you!