For those who follow the Christian calendar, two Wednesdays ago was Ash Wednesday and it kicked off the season of Lent. This means it’s a season of giving up something for the forty days leading up to Easter.
Growing up, it was only my Catholic friends who participated in Lent, so I never thought anything of it. Even when I served and volunteered at various churches as an adult, it was never really talked about, so I never did anything or gave anything up during Lent.
This year, however, our pastor brought it up and talked about how Lent is a season of sacrifice. But not only is it a season of sacrifice, it is also a season of turning our hearts more fully toward God. See, when we give something up during that season, when our heart is longing for that thing, we are supposed to use that time turn our minds to God instead and allow Him to give us fulfillment.
I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I would give up this year. Food has never really meant anything to me. I eat because I have to, not because I want to, so giving up something specific wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice.
TV is always on in the background and I could give that up, but I honestly don’t think it would bother me too much to have the silence, because I spend half my days anymore in silence. I just like the noise sometimes.
I’ve already given up almost all caffeine (only drinking it when I work shifts at the airport, as they’re sometimes 24+ hours), so giving that up would be pointless.
I had no idea what I could possibly give up that would make any difference at all to my daily life.
Except reading.
If you know me, you know I’m an avid reader. As in, I can read several books in a single day. I can sit for hours on end and read, my imagination going wild bringing to life the stories on the pages. I read on my 30–45-minute commute to school. I read on my 60–90-minute commute to work. I sometimes stay up all night reading because the book is so good I just can’t put it down. I read. All. The. Time.
And for the next (now) 28 days, the only books I’m allowing myself to read outside of the Bible are for work and class. And I set other limits for myself. I have a Nintendo Switch that I could easily play for hours. Instead, I’m only allowed to play it for the 20-minute increments when I’m using my neck heating pad, three times a day. I also limit my TV time. I wasn’t watching much TV before, so I’m not going to start now.
So what has this done for me?
First, I’ve noticed that my Bible-reading time is much more fulfilling. Because it’s the only thing I’m reading most days, I’m digging deeper and finding more enjoyment in it.
Second, pre-Lent, I was struggling to remember to make time for God each day. I set an alarm on my phone, but I always had a ready-made excuse for why I couldn’t “right now.” But now, when I’m trying to figure out what to do with my time—since I can’t read—I find myself automatically reaching for my prayer journal, and I feel like my prayers are, maybe, getting a little less selfish.
Third, I’m writing a LOT more. Rather than being caught up in other people’s stories, I’m creating my own. And it feels good.
Fourth, it’s been easier to spend time researching places to apply for copyediting jobs.
Finally, even though life circumstances haven’t actually changed at all, I feel like I’ve got a much better attitude. I’m not sure if that’s because of this season of Lent or if it just so happens to be falling at the same time as this season, but I’ve got peace, and I believe God always honors our sacrifices.
Maybe you missed the start of Lent but you feel like you should be giving something up as well. God’s not mad. Go ahead and start today.
I’m not promising it’ll be easy. In fact, it’ll probably be difficult, and you might mess up a time or two. But our sacrifices here are only for a season. Whatever you are giving up during this time will be waiting for you on the other side. I promise, it’s worth it.
Use the sacrifice to grow closer to God. Get to know Him if you don’t know Him yet. Feel free to reach out and ask me questions if you’re not sure what any of this means. It’s what I’m here for.
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Brittany Stonestreet 