By February, I am done with winter. It is time to think of
preparing the ground, to consider what seeds and seedlings to order, and to calculate
how much bark mulch I will need for my flower beds.
In a similar way, Lent is a preparation for Easter and a
time for removing obstacles that impede our spiritual growth. Christians
celebrated Lent many years before they added Christmas as a holiday. Both are part
of the Christian calendar Christian calendar
explained.
During the 40 days of Lent, some Christians fast or skip
chocolate. Some get up early and vow to pray more. I know of others who give up
social media or unplug the TV. I read about one gal who worked to give up sarcasm
her
story.
As children, remember when we played hide-and-seek? The
object was to be found. My cousin whistled to make sure she was found. God
wants to be found. He will help us to keep our commitment to find him in a more
meaningful way.
We can pray now to find what obstacle needs to be removed. Then when
February 14, 2018 arrives, we will be ready for Lent. Many express the death,
burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) seem much more profound after
40 days of self-sacrifice.
