Journey of Lent in the Shadow of the Cross
The organist played soothing music as we joined the line at the Ash Wednesday service. It was a holy moment when the minister dabbed ash on our foreheads, one-by-one, to create a cross. The ash represents our mortality and reminds us to live in the shadow of the cross.
“For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.”
(Genesis 3:19 NLT)
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—the forty days leading to Holy Thursday. Lent is a season of spiritual readiness, of drawing nearer to God, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter.
Many believers choose to sacrifice something they love to show their devotion and to symbolize Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for us. Foods such as chocolate and coffee are popular choices.
So is giving up worldly traps that eat up our time, such as television or social media. This creates more space in our lives to spend in communion with God.
My husband and I are doing two things this year to observe Lent.
# 1 Decluttering Our Closet
We are adding an item of clothing, or a household product, to this tub each day to donate to charity. We tend to hang on to stuff for years, thinking we might need it again in the future. Or maybe we hang on because of nostalgia or an emotional attachment.
I’m really excited and feel lighter already. Two things motivated this idea.
One was the meme (pictured above) I saw on Facebook back in January. The other was an article written by an author friend, Yvonne Morgan, which convinced me that decluttering would benefit my spiritual health: “Does the Clutter in Life Squeeze Out Christ”
#2 Reading a Book
Together, we are reading Max Lucado’s He Chose the Nails. Of course, we must give up something to make time to read. For him, it’s his obsession with the news; for me, it’s sports stories—my escape from the news.
I love to hear from you. Do you do anything special to mark Lent?
Reflection:
- It’s hard to think about our mortality. What emotion do you experience when you think about it?
2. What does “living in the shadow of the cross” mean to you?
Heavenly Father,
Draw us closer this season as we remember the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross. You did it for us.
Wishing you a joyful and spiritual Lenten season!
Candyce
If you’d like to add something to help you observe Lent, consider one of the many plans available through the YouVersion Bible App. It’s chock-full of devotions to help us commemorate Lent. The one I’m reading is titled, “Lent Journey.”
I really need to take on board your decluttering concept. My closet has too many things I hold onto that I don’t need any more. For this year’s Lent, I’m on a fiction fast where I only read non-fiction. This helps me focus better on Christ instead of escaping into a novel.
Thanks Candyce for the mention. Decluttering helps me so much in every aspects of life especially my faith. Great ideas.
Yes, m’am. Thanks for the inspiring post. I’m onboard with decluttering!
Wow! What a fabulous idea. Declutterring = removing distractions. Our lives are full of physical, mental, and spiritual distractions. The verse that comes to mind is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, mind, and strength.” In our current culture, competing priorities are endless. Keeping him at the center of our lives is our greatest struggle and highest aim. You’ve inspired me!
Every time I looked at my closet, it drained my energy. Decluttering will surely make more room for God — in my heart, mind, and soul.
Great verse to pair with this idea!
I love the decluttering idea and a picture of decluttering my mind and heart as to what is not life-giving and useful. Thank you.
Yes! One a literal concept and the other metaphorical.
Your message is inspiring. Like you, Yvonne’s earlier blog encouraged me to declutter (which I definitely need to do). Off and on through the years I’ve “given up” desserts, chocolate, sugar, etc. It’s healthy to eat less sugar. This year I’m working on having better patience–giving up impatience. I confess it’s hard–I’ve already been tested (an failed), but I’m still trying. Thank you for your encouraging message. Best wishes on your decluttering.
Those are great ideas, Candyce. Your donations will bless others while your decluttering experience will also bless you.
I agree, Barbara. Seems like a win-win.
I love your idea of giving up “impatience.” I struggle with it too. Replacing it with patience, over and over again, might help me learn patience. Prayers on the journey!