Learning to do Lent

True confession:I don’t really know how to do Lent. I didn’t grow up observing it and have never been part of a congregation that does. Most of my Lenten experiences have been from watching my friends and family. I’ve been encouraged by their dedication and the introspection that this time of year brings, so I decided to research this idea of Lent for myself.

It didn’t take any time at all to quickly realize that there are widespread doctrinal variances on the subject. While they make for interesting reading, I won’t be summarizing or commenting on those. I won’t make claims on who is right or wrong, who does it better, and who is more Christ-like based on how they approach the season leading up to Easter. My goal isn’t to negotiate those arguments, but rather explore the meaning behind Lenten traditions and evaluate the practices on a personal level.

Lent is meant as a time of reflection, preparing for our hearts for the celebration of Easter. It is often symbolically connected to Jesus’s 40 days of fasting in the desert - which is also tied to why people “give things up for Lent.” On a deeper level - at least to me - Lent (although extra-Biblical - meaning not mandated by the Bible) provides an opportunity for me to reflect on how my behavior separates me from the love of God, allowing me to understand my absolute need for a Savior, therefore helping me be more grateful of the celebration of Easter and all the blessings God provides.

To help me realize my dependence on God, I decided to abstain from eating bread as a part of my Lent experience this year. Why bread? I love bread. It’s a weakness for me, which is one reason I picked it. It will hurt to not eat bread for 40 days. Secondly, I want the focus of these next 40 days to be on God as my daily bread; how HE alone sustains me.

And of course it didn’t take long to put my devotion to the test. Day 1: lunch with friends and where do they want to eat? An Italian restaurant that fills the table with complimentary hot loaves of bread. (This is further evidence that God has a sense of humor, but I wasn’t smiling.) I thought about chucking the whole idea before I even got started. I debated about starting the next day - what’s one day? But instead, I announced to everyone that I had given up bread as a way to experience God and the gift of his son during Lent. Which was really my polite way of saying “please don’t let me put that bread in my mouth.”

I’ve read a lot about Lent in the last few days but I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself in the weeks ahead. As a Lent newbie, I would love to hear how you approach this season and what you find most meaningful and helpful during this time of renewal.