So tomorrow starts Lent. I’ve never really celebrated or acknowledged Lent before, I’m not Catholic. But I do identify with the need to give up worldly pleasures that can become a distraction and steal our focus. Easter is just about 7 weeks away at this point and what better time to refocus my life than in the weeks leading up to the single most important event in history: the day my savior gave His life for me. So this year I will be observing Lent, but not in the traditional way most of the world will. Rather than give up sweets or TV or some other such physical pleasure, this year I will be giving up a few little things that might not be so apparent to others. 

I’m giving up laziness

I’m giving up selfishness

I’m giving up procrastination

And I’m replacing them with discipline, determination, and grace. Because giving up chocolate was easy. I need a challenge that will bring me to my knees daily and keep me in need of His grace. So that He may get the glory, it has to be something I could never do on my own. 

You might be thinking that this is an impossible task, and it is if I try to do it on my own. But lucky for you and me we aren’t expected to do the hard things on our own. We have a Helper who is more than able. And for Him this is not an impossible task. 

I give you all full permission to check up on me and keep me accountable. In fact I’m counting on it. And I’ll let you know how it goes. 

Happy Mardi Gras. Go eat a pancake for me.