Thursday, February 23, 2012

What to give up?


Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Joel 2:12,13

As one not being raised in the Catholic tradition, I never gave Lent much thought. I gave Easter much thought. I always loved celebrating the whole week of Easter and I used to love when Good Friday was more a part of our culture in America. I remember businesses closing at noon and many gathered for service, either at their own church or a multi-church community service. I used to love it when the day was cloudy on Good Friday. It somehow seemed right.

In past years, I have given more thought to the period leading up to Easter known as Lent. It has become more important for me to reflect longer on all the events leading up to the Resurrection.

Every year I hear people talk about what they will be "giving up" for Lent, sometimes jokingly, sometimes not. In fact, it happened just this morning. Every year I ask myself, or rather God, what He would have me give up. Almost at once, I go through the list of things, and they are usually always the same ones. Sugar, chocolate, meat, books.....wine. There they are, not necessarily in order of importance. But what about the really hard ones?

Not trusting, being fearful, worrying. Taking matters into my own hands that should be resting safely in Gods hands. 

And this year, the answer came back.

Just give me your whole self.

To me, it is not so much what things I give up, but that I give my whole heart. And if He asks me, each and every one of those other things I listed. At whatever time He says, knowing that sometimes, at different times, it is important to give up something for someone else, in order to not make them stumble.

5 comments:

  1. With love to you!

    PSALM 23

    THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD,
    That's Relationship!

    I shall not want,
    This supply is!

    MAKE ME WALK IN GREEN PASTURES,
    This is rest!

    He leadeth me beside the still waters,
    This is refreshing!

    He restores my soul,
    This is healing!

    GUIDE ME FOR THE PATHS OF JUSTICE,
    That's Guidance!

    FOR THE LOVE OF YOUR NAME,
    This is on purpose!

    THOUGH I WALK THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
    That's Testing!

    I will fear no evil,
    That's Protection!

    Thou art with me,
    That is fidelity!

    YOUR STICK AND YOUR staff they comfort me,
    This is discipline!

    Prepare a table before ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES,
    This is hope!

    UNGE MY HEAD WITH OIL
    That's Consecration!

    And my cup runneth over,
    That's Abundance!

    SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY A follow me EVERY DAY OF MY LIFE,
    This is a blessing!

    AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
    That's Security!

    FOR LONG DAYS,
    This is eternity!



    May the Lord bless you and keep you!

    Lucy.
    http://frutodoespirito9.blogspot.com/

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  2. I'm studying Paul -- as in Acts and the letters... and that idea about giving up things so that others may not stumble is so convicting.

    I've never really practiced Lent -- as you said, I've heard others talk of giving things up -- but I've never done it. Thanks for giving me something to think about. Again.

    I also remember how when I was in school -- we had Good Friday off --- now, it's "spring" break instead-- so that it's not thought of as Christian; they take care to make it the same time every year so that it would not be seen as Easter holidays. We have fallen far, haven't we?

    Good post. Good thoughts.

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  3. Hi Lori ... This Lenten season has become more important to me as well. Honestly, it was rarely mentioned during my growing-up years. Now, I am awakened to grace more fully because of it. This "dying daily..."

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  4. So good to be joining you on the road with Jesus. We are an Easter people on the road to Calvary and beyond. I love this time of rich remembrance and reflection. Praying God's strength, presence, and peace over your life this day.

    ~elaine

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