INSPIRASUNS

Yesterday we marked the start of Lent, the time leading up to the crucifixion, and more importantly, the resurrection of Jesus. This time is what me make it. Well, that’s kind of flip, some might think. Actually, though, it truly is what we make it. We can choose to treat this time like every other season, or we can slow down just a bit and recognize that this is a time to focus on Christ, His life, a sinless life, and his ultimate sacrifice for us. He was the perfect, literally perfect, example of how to live as a child of God.

So, during this short time, just over a month, what if we did make it a time of intentional focus on the Lord? What if we did abstain from certain “luxuries” we might have? Our priest gave some interesting options last night in his Ash Wednesday sermon. Simple, yet meaningful ways to slow down and make more of this time. For instance, what if we:
• Shut off our phone for just one hour a day.
• Commit to sitting down as a family at dinner each night during this time.
• Volunteer at a local charitable organization just twice during this time.
• Make our own coffee at home, and skip the expensive concoction at our favorite coffee shop.

The options for slowing down during this time and making it more meaningful are almost endless. The point is to make Jesus the focus. Lent is a solemn time; it’s meant to be. Jesus knew what was to come. It wasn’t going to be pretty, but He knew the debt had to be settled, and He did just that.

Isn’t the gift of His life for us worth our time during Lent? Yes, friends, this time of Lent is what we make it. Let’s make it a time of connection with our Lord. Let’s make it a time of opening our hearts more fully to His love and sacrifice. Let’s make it a time of forgiveness, both giving and receiving. Let’s make it about Him.

Have a good day, friends. Continued prayers for Emily Rea’s return.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,