Before I move into my thoughts for the evening, I should do some small time rambling about the current events of today. I need to have something to look back on and relate to my minute world when I read the archives, so here goes...
Happy Square Root Day! 03.03.09...Yes, we haven't had one of these since 2004, and we won't have another Square Root Day until April 4, 2016. Enjoy it while it's hot. Smile. Yes, my shout out to my loving audience of math geeks.
And, March decided to come in like a lion, hitting us with a whopping 2 inches of snow with ice. Hampton Roads hasn't seen snow in a while, and we were pleasantly showered with the white stuff, giving our teachers and students two days out of school. It's hard to say what tomorrow will bring; I am guessing there won't be any delays and we'll resume with business as usual.
Now, on to my entry's focus for the night. Almost a week ago began the season to most Christians known as Lent. It is a time of reflecting on and reconnecting with our faith. The Lenten season recognizes the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness (or desert) resisting temptation by Satan. The period leads up to the time that would mark Jesus' death and then resurrection from death on Easter Sunday.
So, for this period of 40 days that comes after the nationally marked Fat Tuesday, Christians choose to give up something of significance, signifying Jesus overcoming temptation over his 40 days. It is hoped that in giving up these daily habits we'll be able to replace them with something drawing us closer to God. The time given and devoted to the moments we would be using should be dedicated to prayer and time studying the Word.
I go back to a week ago and am reminded of when I entered into a room with colleagues for a meeting. As we went into the topic of discussion for the gathering, food had been provided along with desserts. When a break was given, some got up to get desserts. Some bags of chocolate were passed around the table. A slight discomfort or tension came over the room as a couple of people politely declined the chocolate. It was enough of a discomfort to comment on if everything was okay, and the response given was sweets had been given up for Lent. Others chimed in that they had done the same, which ushered some other dialogue about what had been sacrificed for this time period.
Truly, my heart should have been leaping with excitement for these shared testimonies of what had been dropped for 40 days. However, I stayed quiet and munched on the goodies. I was quickly taken back to the times of my youth when my Catholic friends would come to school and talk about giving up things for Lent. Up until my 20s, I never really knew that Lent applied to anyone except Catholics. Giving up stuff had never been talked about in any church setting of mine growing up. Of course, Ash Wednesday was discussed and there were many sermons that would take us up to Resurrection Sunday, but that was it.
The conversation brought itself to a quick close as we got back on track and into our session's discussion. Sadly, each time those of us able to eat sweets would, there were those stares of desperation and murmurs from those unable to partake. Was I setting my brothers and sisters back? My bad! Dang, I just wanted to enjoy the goodies.
At the end, I went up to get some leftovers to take home and was greeted by the presenter for the hour. She made small talk with me and then commented that it was evident that I had not given up any of the items that graced us at the table. I felt trapped like I needed to disclose to her what I had given up--she asked directly. So, I politely shared, which ignited more opinions that were friendly and genuine enough. I excused myself and thanked her again for a most productive session, yet my heart was heavy.
Again, I could not get excited about the habits that had been shared at the meeting. And, I think what disturbed me the most was maybe that any other time I would not have been able to determine the faith walk of those before me. I had never been greeted before by any of them with "Jesus" conversation. Justifiably so, I get that there is a separation between church and state. Smile. But couldn't there be some indicator: something on the inside working on the outside? That could perhaps alert me to the fact that there was something different about those who are faith walker? That they were believers? Was I equally guilty?
I suppose I type all of this to just make the simple reminder about the purpose of the Lenten season. A good friend reminded me of this earlier in the week, and I am grateful: In this time of Lent, remember that it's not about what's given up, but what we do in place of the thing(s) given up. We can brag about not eating something, but it means nothing if it is not drawing us closer to Him. The process of Lent and sacrifice is different for a 10 year old than for a 30 or 50 year old.
My prayer is that desiring God would not be something we place in storage only to dust off and utilize when convenient. Each day His mercies are new and His love never ceases to amaze. Whether you've decided to participate in the act of sacrifice for 40 days or carry on with your regular ways of life, take a moment to taste and see how good our God is. When life gets you down and you feel overwhelmed with daily punches and hits of this world, know that there is a bigger picture and higher calling. More so, though, don't get so caught up that you cannot enjoy the present state of what is before us today. There are many things to rejoice over and enjoy. It becomes too easy to let life's tasks move us into robotics. Taking time to spend with Him may bring the peace and joy you never knew could exist.
On this historical day in 09, Square Root Day, may a piece of your heart start cleaning out some space to give yourself the room to desire the Most High.
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