Texas weather. It's what some of us long to get away from and for others it's why they have packed their fifth wheels and moved here for a few months. I have grown up in Texas and I occasionally hear a rumor about seasons. Apparently there are four and they are called Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I am very familiar with Summer, and I've been known to embrace an occasional Fall and Spring day or two...literally! We just don't get the seasons.
Our lives, however, function in similar fashion. We have periods of time where we are excited about the start of something new - usually the end of August and September. For me, it is right now. Last week the Rangers reported to Surprise, AZ for Spring Training. New optimism resides in the heart of this die-hard Ranger fan. Summer tends to be the work season for most of us, then we hit fall where we can see light at the end of the season. Then we close out certain phases of our lives with our own version of Winter - lately a late season rash of Cowboy losses.
While our seasons can be lightly remembered as with sports, they can be more significant and meaningful. Having children, starting a new job, engaging in a new relationship, starting a new semester of school or moving to a new city are all opportunities to start fresh. Maybe the dog-days of Summer are kicking your ass - a job that won't quit, a relationship that is sucking the life out of you or the kids are pulling you in too many directions. Then we have those seasons where we see light at the end of the tunnel - the job turned the corner and their is hope for a promotion, this rotation is almost over, graduation is on the horizon. Winters can sometimes be brutal - like losing a parent, a wayward child or watching the stock market! Seasons come in all shapes and sizes for you and for me, and with so many things pulling at my attention, sometimes I can lose focus of what is most important.
Tomorrow marks the start of Lent on the Christian Calendar - a season of sorts. Growing up protestant, no one ever talked about Lent at my house and definitely not at my church. In some ways I see this as unfortunate. This year, I am looking a little closer.
LENT Proto Indo European *dlon-gho Proto Germanic <*langaz, *lang< class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">langian< class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">langitinaz<>lengten, lencten<>
Lent n (first in print in 13c): the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by Christians as a period of penitence and fasting.
Advent is another of the Christian "seasons" and has enjoyed a bit more popularity in recent years. While Advent is a time of lavish celebration anticipating the birth of Christ, the King, Lent tends to fall on the other end of the liturgical spectrum. Rather than relishing the lavish celebration, we turn to the beauty of sackcloth and ashes. One blogger has called this the "mellow glory of the grey season, the lean season." Lent is a time when we simplify our food, in contrast to the richness of the feasting; when our clothes are simpler and we spend more time alone to contemplate the tragedy and ultimate victory of the Cross where Jesus laid down his life. For some this includes fasting, echoing Jesus' days. This can be a fast from food, from TV, from spending money...just about anything. The point of the fast is to reflect and draw near to the One whose sacrifice brought reconciliation between us and God. If our fast doesn't accomplish this end goal, then it was just an empty ritual.
I realize that some of you who follow this blog have much more experience with Lent, so I'd welcome your thoughts and input here. I am contemplating my "lent" this year - it might just be time to put a little starch in my collar this year. I have some ideas, but I'm not sure yet. For today though...it's Fat Tuesday! Apparently this is the day of indulgence, for tomorrow we begin lent!
Texas weather. It's what some of us long to get away from and for others it's why they have packed their fifth wheels and moved here for a few months. I have grown up in Texas and I occasionally hear a rumor about seasons. Apparently there are four and they are called Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. I am very familiar with Summer, and I've been known to embrace an occasional Fall and Spring day or two...literally! We just don't get the seasons.
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3 comments:
I gave in to my coffee craving after a successful week without because I was reminded that it is Fat Tuesday. I was also vewy swweepy. Two years ago while visiting at Irving Bible Church I chose to observe Lent my giving up all caffeine. I too was raised Protestant and at 33 it was the first year I had ever even considered doing something to mark the "season". Andy McQuitty, Pastor of IBC, had preached an amazing sermon on why he was choosing to observe Lent and it stirred inside me a desire to be closer to Christ. I certainly don't see it as becoming more holy, and therefore closer to Christ. But I chose to use every craving I had for caffeine in that 40 day period to pray. It was effective. I felt refreshed and renewed, and more celebratory that Easter morning. This year I am going to observe Lent by giving up one meal each day. I know this is nothing for many busy people in my life, who commonly have to skip breakfast or lunch, but this will be big for me.
I think that is a good thing, Andrea. Any time we can pull ourselves away from the things that hold us tightly, to focus more intently on Jesus has to be a good thing, right? I also like that when you remove something from your life, it makes room for something more true, more honoring, more loving. Have fun with it all. Are you starting tomorrow?
Yep- yesterday I went without breakfast. It seemed too easy. So today I will skip lunch. Craig is joining me in this and I am looking forward to the adventure!
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