Giving up and taking on … these two phrases reflect my approach to Lent this year. First, I will identify things in my life to “give up” – things in which I’ve (mis)placed my dependence and trust. Second, I will identify a couple of spiritual practices to “take on” – practices that will increase my capacity to love God and love others.
O Lord, our Lord, you have created us for yourself; and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.~ Augustine
I have filled my heart and my days with too much – the kind of “too much” that denies peace and promotes restlessness. I have neglected the pursuit of peace in the presence of God. So, for me, the lenten journey needs to be a season of discovering my “rest” in God, even as I invite the Spirit to prepare me for the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
I’ll be posting over the next 40 days about things “given up” and things “taken on” … my purpose is renewal through self-reflection and rest through embracing God’s peace.
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I’m with you on the idea of too much, too often. I feel, sometimes, like the part of me that used to love the simplicity of reading a book has been replaced by a multi-tasking, socializing zombie. I love technology and all it brings, but it just feels out of control from time to time. Still wrestling with what to give up for lent, but realizing the importance of this discipline more and more…