I love seasons - I love the change from summer to autumn to winter to spring - and I tire of each season as they occur, but I love them.
I also love seasons we go through in life.
Today is Ash Wednesday. While I grew up in a church that didn't really celebrate any holidays at all, I found myself at a church a few years ago that acknowledges the sacredness of God. Liturgical texts are seen as some of those that really take into account God's reverence and the texts are guidelines for incredible discipline.
When you first walk into a church like this and many voices are saying the same prayers and creeds it can be a little uncomfortable. My first thought, "Um.. is this a cult?" Of course now I would admit that I've come to love this format...
So it was three years ago that I, for the first time ever, chose to give "lent" a shot. I approached it from a different perspective than "I'm giving up chocolate" or anything along those lines - but I did say, "What are areas in my life that need improvement?" I chose something physical, something mental and something spiritual for my life adjustments and I chose things that I thought perhaps I would be able to make real changes for a long time.
It was a good experience. So this year as the lenten season begins, I find myself thankful for the opportunity for a new season to practice discipline. I'm not sure what changes I'm making - though I do feel like having time set aside on a daily basis is key.
I've been mulling over articles giving ideas and will continue to do so today. I welcome this season.
(Just one article if you're curious...)
http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/40-ideas-for-lent-2015
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