Lent is Upon Us

This week is Ash Wednesday. As always, our pastor, Ken, has challenged the congregation to prayerfully consider the upcoming season of Lent and how we will respond to this time of year. To that end, he has offered suggestions for how we can draw closer to God during the Lenten season. One is to read the Bible daily and spend time contemplating what we've read. For this, he has started a blog: Ken's Daily Devotional. You'll see it listed in my "Blogs You Should Check Out Section." I plan to read along with him, read, reflect, and respond to the blog If you need a daily devotion to read, join in.

Ken also challenges us to fast. You'll see scripture references to fasting on the blog already. Last year Dave and I did the $3 a day Food Stamp diet with Ken. Dave hasn't decided if he'll try it again this year or not. I won't be able to, but I figure I've been fasting since January 5th as it is. There are lots of times, recently, when I'm hungry and just waiting for my next blood sugar check so that I can eat afterwards. Thankfully, I know my "fasting" is only temporary, and I can see the big picture of doing what's right for the baby. (Actually, I've been fasting lots of things for the baby since June, but again, it's all worth it.) Some members of our church who travel through the week and know that they can't do the $3 a day, are doing the Weekend Food diet. Our church has partnered with 2 elementary schools to provide food for students on free and reduced lunches to take home with them over the weekend to ensure that they have something to eat. Ken posted what kids would have to take home with them on his blog, as well. Whether Dave and I fast or not, I know that last year's experience was powerful to both of us. Hunger is a common human condition. I am thankful that I have never been truly hungry for more than a few minutes. (I should amend part of that, I will not be going on any kind of diet--I have Baby Mac to feed through Lent this year.)

So, with Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday approaching, I challenge you to think about what you will do to draw closer to God on your spiritual journey.