Lent 2010

Tomorrow Christians around the world will observe Ash Wednesday or the "Day of Ashes." This is the first day of Lent, the 40-day season leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a season of reflection, fasting, and repentance. It is a season of both dying and renewal, crucifixion and resurrection.

I did not grow up participating in Lent but have done so for the last decade. Early on my participation in Lent was nothing more than a weekly visit to St. Lawrence's Catholic Church for their community fish fry on Fridays, but soon my commitment to the Lenten journey became more substantial. Each year I join Jesus-followers everywhere in putting something to death for a season. My fasting experiences have included: caffeine, TV, sports radio, video games, reading, and last year I gave up the Internet. These have been my attempts in identifying in the sufferings of Christ, by giving up something that will sting a little. However a second Lenten practice that is often overlooked is the taking on of something new for Lent, whether it be a new habit, practice, or perspective. In the past I have taken on exercise, increased scripture reading, and eating healthier.

So for Lent 2010 I have decided to give up staying up late and am taking on reading through the New Testament. I am a night owl and this often results in tiresome mornings, meaning that I am not fully present to my family, my work, and to God. For this season I am imposing an 11PM bedtime for myself. My hope is that this might even result in getting up earlier. Several years back I visited a Benedictine monastery and woke up for prayer with the monks at 4:30am. There was something meaningful and beautiful about being awake to commune with God in the small hours of the morning. Admittedly I don't anticipate a 4:30am wake-up time these next 40 days, but I do hope to make more of my mornings.

Tomorrow I will join the community of faith in having my forehead marked with the ashes of last year palm fronds as I begin another Lenten journey. Tonight, however, I will carry on in my Mardi Gras celebration as I start a movie and stay up late for the last time until the tomb is empty! (Side note: I will probably look for a good Lenten fish fry in my community as well).