So…about Lent
Written by Kendall Bergman
I am intentionally observing Lent this year. While I’ve known for years what Lent is and when it typically occurs (4 weeks leading up to Easter Sunday), I didn’t grow up in a faith tradition that followed the Christian traditions of advent and lent. I now see as a grown woman that I was missing something about the intention of God’s heart toward us by skipping over these more liturgical practices of advent and lent. I talked a bit about advent in a previous post here. Check it out if you’re interested.
Advent is all about preparing our hearts, minds and souls for the arrival of a long-awaiting messiah, Jesus Christ. Lent is about preparing for the sacrifice Christ provides for those who say yes to him. Lent is a time of intentional reflection, sacrifice, denial and thanksgiving.
During advent we are ramping up our hearts to joyfully celebrate that Jesus arrived on the scene. Lent is a time for lament, confession, and resurrection!
As I consider what Lent has looked like for me this year, it’s been sobering. I’ve been going through a study of the book of Ezekiel with a friend and let me tell you, it’s not roses and lollipops. It’s totally about how God loves us…every last one of us. It’s also totally about how we forget about God, go our own way and determine what is best for us apart from the divine. And, listen y’all, we break God’s heart every time we choose our own way.
The Creator of the entire universe relentlessly pursues us. The Author of everything chooses courageous vulnerability because we are loved extravagantly. The One who has never not been wants (doesn’t need) to be in relationship with us. And Christ sacrificed everything…his very life…on our behalf. So that we might know forever in God’s presence.
Lent reminds us that self-sacrifice is a practice worth pursuing. This Lenten season, I am realizing my need to sacrifice and deny myself…not out of martyrdom or sanctimony. I am realizing my need goes to the core of who I am and who I was created to be. I sacrifice and deny because Christ chose to die…for me and for everyone. I sacrifice and deny because it points me to an empty cross. I sacrifice and deny because it redirects my movement away from the source and reorients me to the Savior.
Have you forgotten who you were created to be? Are you curious about what the God of the universe might be inviting you to? Are you willing to choose a bit of self-sacrifice in exchange for wholeness? I am here to tell you that there is purpose and meaning in your life…and it’s there for you to uncover. I would be honored to join you on this quest. Don’t hesitate to reach out (kendall@thediscoverywell.com) and schedule a complimentary discovery call.