"God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy." - Pope Francis

1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.

Spring is slowly starting to arrive! The days are finally feeling longer, and early flowers are blooming. It is such a wonderful season. Of course, in certain areas, we probably have a few more snowstorms coming. Yet, I can feel that the end of winter is approaching. It also means that it is the season of Lent is here. 

Lent is a stretch of 40 days, where we remember the events that led up to and including the death of Jesus. The word Lent comes from the Old English word that means lengthen, because the days are getting longer. We use this season as a time of reflection, a time to seek forgiveness, and to prepare for the celebration of Easter. 

Lent is a sacred season—a time of reflection, renewal, and realignment with God’s will. It’s a season of 40 days leading up to Easter, where we mirror Christ’s time in the wilderness, fasting and preparing for His ultimate sacrifice. While it can often be associated with what we give up, Lent is also about what we gain: a deeper relationship with Jesus.

If you’ve ever felt like Lent was simply a checklist of things to avoid—chocolate, social media, coffee—I encourage you to see it instead as an opportunity to grow spiritually. This is a deeply personal journey, one where we intentionally make room for Christ in our daily lives. Are you ready to take a closer look at Lent? Let’s get started! 

LENTEN PRACTICES

"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves... What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment's hesitation." - Catherine Doherty

Lent is not just a church tradition; it’s an invitation into deeper communion with God. Instead of approaching it as a rigid set of rules, think of it as a season of love—where we let go of distractions and lean into His presence. In my own life, Lent can often feel like a pause. A chance to set things aside and to refocus on what’s most important. 

Daniel 9:3 - Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

Here are a few personal ways you can observe Lent with intention and meaning:

• Fast with Purpose - While traditional fasting often means giving up food, fasting can also include anything that pulls your focus away from God. Perhaps it’s social media, mindless scrolling, or negative self-talk. The key is to replace that time with something that nourishes your soul—prayer, Scripture reading, or acts of kindness.

• Daily Devotions & Scripture Meditation - Use this time to slow down and be intentional with God’s Word. Consider following a Lent devotional or reading a chapter of the Gospels each day.

• Acts of Service & Kindness - Lent is a season of selflessness. Look for ways to serve others in meaningful ways—write letters of encouragement, pay for a stranger’s coffee, volunteer at a shelter, or simply check in on a friend who needs support.

• Commit to your own Prayer Rhythm - Create space for intentional prayer. Try journaling your prayers or following a book of prayer.

• Simplicity & Stillness - Our world is loud and busy, but Lent calls us to quiet our hearts. Try simplifying your schedule, decluttering distractions, and spending time in solitude with God. Light a candle, play worship music, and just sit in His presence. You’ll be surprised how much peace comes from stillness.

Lent is a journey, not a destination. It’s about surrender, reflection, and ultimately, transformation. As we walk through this season, let’s not focus on what we are losing but on what we are gaining—a heart more aligned with Christ’s.

May this Lent be a time where you not only draw closer to Jesus but also see Him move in ways you never expected. How will you make this season personal? Let’s embrace it with open hearts and willing spirits.

QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS 

One of my favorite things to do is to ponder, reflect and journal, it gives me time to think through all the various aspects of life. May you find time in your day or your week, to sit and reflect. You can use these questions as a starting place for your reflection, or just an addition to your normal journal rhythm.

1. Have you observed Lent in the past? What practices were the most impactful for you? 

2. Is Lent something that your church or community observes? How can you lead or participate in those activities?

3. What is an area of your life that you could give up for Lent? How will you replace it?

4. Where have you seen God at work in your life lately?

5. What’s one thing from this blog that you want to use or put into action? 

"Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself." - St. Francis de Sales

John 16:33 - In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.