Here we go… the journey really begins now. Today is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent (also known as the Penitential Season). For the next 40 days (not including Sundays) Catholics are called to be in a state of fasting in order to cleanse their soul from all the things that have kept them away from God. I like to call it a time of renewal.
Actually, I look forward to Lent. Even though it has proven to be the hardest six weeks every year it is also the most edifying and productive time spent in the year. By the time Easter arrives the victory of Christ’s resurrection manifests itself within my spirit and I feel at one with the proclamation “He is risen!”.
But you see, I’m not there right now and I know I’m not. It’s not that I don’t have a good prayer life, or that I’m suddenly doubting God or have lessened any aspect of my belief or faith. For some reason, it always seems that during Lent God wants to pick up this rough unclear jewel, that is still a work in progress, and drop me in the refiner’s fire to melt and burn off some of the muck that resisted coming off the last time I was put in the fire. With each inferno a new layer is revealed and I get closer to becoming His masterpiece.
I’m embarrassed to admit what God has called me to give up for Lent this year. 🙁
TV
Somewhere along the way I became addicted to vegging and not having to think. It used to not be an issue but as I sat in adoration last week and discerned the direction God wanted me to go with a sacrifice it became very clear all that I’ve put off because I just wanted to veg. My son has been begging me to finish writing the first book in the Sophie Chronicles series…I have a STACK of spiritual reading that I have been wanting to get to but just haven’t found the time and the most important – my family. Not that I wasn’t available before but now my attention can be more focused and directed to them.
On this first day I see one big plus…an early bed time. I still haven’t beaten this cold, it’s moved to nausea now. It’s almost 8pm, I’ve already helped Ryan study for his tests, and reading just doesn’t seem plausible when I feel this way. Who knew I’d be blessed so soon? 🙂
Happy Ash Wednesday
Blessings
Shannon