During our Ash Wednesday worship, we were invited into the discipline of Lent—self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love. We hear this invitation, but what does that mean for you? 

Today, I would invite you to reflect on how you might specifically take this on. Will you make a commitment to daily Bible reading and reflection? Will you give up your $5 coffee and set that money aside to give away? Will you volunteer your time at the food pantry? Will you give up desserts because few things feel like a bigger sacrifice? 

However you plan to take on the discipline of Lent, be reminded that this isn’t about torturing ourselves, although it might feel like that at times, but rather this is a way to raise our awareness of and refocus our minds on God. When your tummy craves some chocolate, be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice for you. When you feel like you don’t have time for volunteer work, remember that Jesus came to help those who needed it most. When your sacrificial giving means giving up something you want, be reminded that Jesus gave so much more. 

I pray that Lent will be a time to refocus your life. A time when you will become aware of the ways that Jesus sacrificed for us. A time when you will commit to this life as a disciple of Christ. 

If you ever want to talk about what this might look like for you, please feel free to reach out. We take this journey together. 

Blessed Lent,

Pastor Dawn