I was raised Free Will Baptist. We didn't recognize the Lenten season. My first experience with Lent was my college roommate, Treabele. Treabele was Catholic; on an ordinary Tuesday, or so I thought, she informed me we had to go to the 7/11 and get a Dr. Pepper. At 9:00 at night. I asked some question as to why and thus my education on Lent began. Back then it was giving up soda and chocolate, mostly I'm sure because Treabele had been to church with me and I am sure she understood the vast gap in our upbringing and how much ground there was to cover with me. As I have gotten older, I have learned more about the meaning and purpose behind Lent and have begun to put my own beliefs together about that purpose and how best to honor the season and the sacrifice for myself.
This year I have given a lot of thought to what I will give up and what I will choose to add in my life. I have designed a Lenten program for myself and I view this season as an opportunity to work on myself as a whole and not just give up my favorite foods for six weeks. I want lasting change. Consistent exercise, reading more, watching tv less, and spending time with the people I love, etc.
I want to be more like the person I think God wants me to be at the end of this 40 days. Connected to good friends, studying his Word and drawing closer to him, and using my gifts for good. Let's face it, my gifts aren't well used sitting on the couch watching the Bachelor.
What will you choose to do this season if anything? How do you view the Lenten season in the scope of your spiritual development?
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