There has been a little bit of discussion about Lent at the Ryberg household the last week. Most of it revolved around what we each would be doing differently during Lent. Kaitlyn has vowed to us she is giving up her sassyness for Lent (oh how we are praying for her to be successful in this endeavor!). I decided to to a couple things. First, I am dropping out sweets and soda which should make the upcoming lock in very interesting. (Note: I did not give up caffeine so we will just have to keep the coffee flowing). Secondly, I am setting aside an hour each morning for prayer, and reading of the Bible and other related texts. I am not sure what my wife has given up but hopefully it is not me or the dog:P
Anyhow, I had heard some people also talking recently about why we give stuff up for Lent. Most people I talk to seem to indicate they give something up for Lent because its expected or because they feel its something they want to change in their life. Some cite the need to deprive ourselves during Lent so we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. I think there are lots of reasons.
So why am I giving up and taking on things during Lent? I will not deny that part of me is giving up the sugary stuff so I can get into better shape. I really like snacks (especially sweet and salty stuff together!) And when I get anxious or upset, I inevitably grab some delicious treat for comfort. Oh and it would JUST happen to be Girl Scout cookie season (Samoas FTW!). So by giving up these delicious treats, I am constantly going to be having to stop myself and make a conscious decision to not indulge.
And in that moment, I am going to attempt to also turn my thoughts to the reason for Lent: repentance. As I stop, I am going to try and turn my thoughts back towards God. To stop and reflect on what do I need to do RIGHT NOW to turn back towards God. Maybe it is giving up that fear to Him instead of dwelling on it over a KitKat. It could be letting go of being upset at my daughter or dog for some trivial infraction instead of chomping on a cookie. Or maybe its just actually resting instead of slurping down a soda to get a burst of energy. Now its not going to be easy to break some of these REALLY bad habits. I am hoping by taking a hour each morning to set myself on a path of thinking about God it will help.
God wants to be in the forefront of our hearts and minds in all we do. We on the other hand tend to relegate Him to the 'when we have time' or when we need help. But by doing this, we fill our lives instead with junk of no value or that is even detrimental, Take this season to become more focused on God. Because He is Forever. Let the other stuff go. God has the plans for us to prosper; plans of great and wondrous things. We just need to stop, turn around and head back towards God. He will always be right where He always is. With you.
Anyhow, I had heard some people also talking recently about why we give stuff up for Lent. Most people I talk to seem to indicate they give something up for Lent because its expected or because they feel its something they want to change in their life. Some cite the need to deprive ourselves during Lent so we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. I think there are lots of reasons.
So why am I giving up and taking on things during Lent? I will not deny that part of me is giving up the sugary stuff so I can get into better shape. I really like snacks (especially sweet and salty stuff together!) And when I get anxious or upset, I inevitably grab some delicious treat for comfort. Oh and it would JUST happen to be Girl Scout cookie season (Samoas FTW!). So by giving up these delicious treats, I am constantly going to be having to stop myself and make a conscious decision to not indulge.
And in that moment, I am going to attempt to also turn my thoughts to the reason for Lent: repentance. As I stop, I am going to try and turn my thoughts back towards God. To stop and reflect on what do I need to do RIGHT NOW to turn back towards God. Maybe it is giving up that fear to Him instead of dwelling on it over a KitKat. It could be letting go of being upset at my daughter or dog for some trivial infraction instead of chomping on a cookie. Or maybe its just actually resting instead of slurping down a soda to get a burst of energy. Now its not going to be easy to break some of these REALLY bad habits. I am hoping by taking a hour each morning to set myself on a path of thinking about God it will help.
God wants to be in the forefront of our hearts and minds in all we do. We on the other hand tend to relegate Him to the 'when we have time' or when we need help. But by doing this, we fill our lives instead with junk of no value or that is even detrimental, Take this season to become more focused on God. Because He is Forever. Let the other stuff go. God has the plans for us to prosper; plans of great and wondrous things. We just need to stop, turn around and head back towards God. He will always be right where He always is. With you.