What are your Lent and/or Easter Traditions?

Yesterday’s blog started our journey into the season of Lent, the forty days before Easter. A majority of these United States spend this time focused on the Greatest Sacrifice to date, the death of Jesus on the cross for our sins. God sent His Only Son to earth, to live and die. This He did for you and me. A selfless act of love displayed for people to see firsthand and then share for generations beyond our time here on earth, thanks to the Bible.

Did you attend an Ash Wednesday or a “Kick-off to Lent” service or mass yesterday?  I had intentions to attend one but as I basked in the sun shining in the café window while I worked, I lost track of time. Although I didn’t attend a church service, I did spend time in reflection and prayer as I started my Easter devotional. I found this devotional at the Catholic shop that used to be on West First Street in Oswego, across from The King’s Business. I guess it doesn’t really matter where I purchased it, my point in sharing is because I’ve used this same devotional for many years and each time I read it, I learn or realize something different than the year before. 

It reminds me of reading the Bible. Have you ever read a portion of the Bible a dozen times and then one day you read this same, and familiar verse, and have this major “I never saw that before” moment? I know I have. To read this devotional is one of these moments.

My memory must be going because each year as I read, I’m in awe of how God speaks to my heart through the words written on the page and the Bible verses selected. I read as if it’s the first time I’ve read the book even though it’s been years. I think this is one of the valuable lessons to focus and learn during Lent. While we may do many things out of habit or tradition, we need to remember to slow down. 

As we slow down, we are able to reflect and focus on God and His plan for our life. We’re all designed differently and God’s unique and intrikit creation, you, is more wonderful than you might even realize. Take time each day as we journey to the cross to reflect on the reason for this season.

How are you gifted? Where do your talents shine? What attributes do you have that leave people saying, “You are so good at “x”, you should…” This might be the way God plans to use you to share Him and the Hope of Eternity with the people you meet. 

Some find devotionals too restricting. Maybe as you transition through Lent this year, take a one-subject notebook and dedicate it to your quiet time during this season. List the Bible verse you read, journal a response to the reading, and log your prayers and answers to prayer during this time. 

Who knows, you might have a Lenten Devotional within you that could bless the hearts and lives of others…you just don’t realize it yet. Or, it might just be the tool you need a year from now when you look back to see how far God has brought you and the growth within your heart and lives, thanks to a few moments of quiet time during the next forty days.

Do you have a favorite devotional for Lent or do you do a different reading plan each year?

Someone reading this today might be looking for their first or a new devotional and your thoughts might start them on a journey to the cross that will change their lives in ways only God can imagine.