Lent

Lent. Forty days. Today marks the beginning of the Lenton season. A time of self-denial and preparation. It is defined as "a period of time leading up to Easter where Christians prepare themselves for Jesus' homecoming." It symbolizes the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert being tempted by Satan. But when you really think about it, the number 40 shows up many different times in the Bible...the number of days that it rained on Noah and the Ark, the amount of time Moses spent on Mt. Sinai, and the Hebrew people wandered for 40 years in search of the Promised Land.

Every year since high school, I have given up something for Lent. It has ranged from soft drinks to candy. I always have a hard time picking what to give up. It needs to be something I love. Something that is important to me. Something I think I can't live without. This year, I have decided to give up Facebook. When I think about it, I spend a good bit of time on the computer. Our preacher gave us a challenge. We are to read (or listen) to the entire New Testament during Lent, so I will be using my non-facebooking time to listen to the good word. Our church provided CD's of the entire New Testament for all who were up for the challenge.

If you have not ever participated in Lent, give it a try. It really helps you put the focus back on God and his excellent perfect plan.