February 7, 2024
Lent begins next Wednesday – if that seems early to you, you’re right. Easter, in fact, is in March this year!
How will you observe Lent?
You’ll have our devotional, Fill the Heart, as a daily resource. I’m quite excited by the submissions I’ve received, and I hope you’ll consider a contribution yourself. In fact, you might consider that to be a part of your Lenten observance.
Whether it is or not, what will you do to fill your heart this Lent?
Over time, people have taken two basic approaches to Lenten practice. The first, and best known, is to set aside a pleasure or a bad habit for the seven weeks of the season. Over the years I’ve given up fast food, soda, eating in the car, computer games, and so on. My favorite was the year that I gave up anxiety; it was absolutely delightful. I have to confess that I’ve never been able to give something up permanently or even to give up the same thing during a later Lent.
The second approach is to take something on: a study, a prayer practice, an outreach, or a healthy activity. I’ve done daily exercise, written poems, and followed study guides.
My practice has been to take on something new, and give up something new, with each Lent. For me that’s been a good experience.
What will help you fill your heart this Lent, so that when Easter comes it can overflow in joy? What can you do that will open your spirit? What can you give up that might be burdening your soul?
How will you observe Lent so that you can sing freely on Easter morning?
In peace,
Pastor Eric
