I know it seems that I have been fasting from this blog, and I admit that it was ‘too easy’ to let it go for a month and not post. Then I started wondering what God must think about that. He asked me to do something and I was doing great on the ‘follow through’ for quite awhile, and then, well, I let the busy-ness of life get to me.
I’m sure like many of you, I attended a service for Ash Wednesday. I was surprised at how packed church was at 9am on a Wednesday. I had planned my work day so I could attend that mass, but I was really impressed by the number of people, but I digress.
During the homily, the priest talked about how fasting from something is a sacrifice (because we are ‘giving it up’). Then he went on to add that many people give up things that are not really a sacrifice, like chocolate. Since right after lent is over the person is just going to start eating chocolate again. His next question was- “is it helping you get closer to Jesus in this season?
That part hit home for me. The thing I decide to give up for Lent should be something that strengthens my relationship with my God and Creator, not just something I am trying to get through to check off the box. Many years, I have checked the box off without putting thought into it.
So this year, I paused to consider what I could do to grow closer to Jesus in this Lenten season. If what you picked is not bringing you closer, you can choose something new. May your fasting be fruitful this Lent!
