Lent without the pain

This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. In the evening we will gather at 7PM for prayer and song scripture and reflection and of course mark our foreheads with ashes to mark the beginning of Lent.

Is Lent about giving something up—something that you enjoyed? Many make Lenten pledges to give up chocolates, wine, and (shudder) coffee or something else. The idea behind the discipline of giving up is that you still find yourself breathing after you stop drinking coffee. So we come to understand that we are defined by God and not the refrigerator or whatever indulgence has captivated our, just have to have it list, and instead are shaped by love for God’s love. So what would it mean for us to add rather than subtract, for Lent.

This season of Lent these days leading up to Easter have to be something more than spring’s self-help ritual. Might it be a season in which we might add something Godly, something shocking and something disruptive to our lives?

Like what?

Well, over the centuries, Christians have taken on all sorts of things during the season of Lent. Some have carved out a special part of the day (often in the early morning) to read a devotional and say a prayer. Some decide that this is the time when they will volunteer at the Shelter to help those in need. Some have gone away on a silent retreat to spend a few days in a simple, quiet setting focused on God and God’s desires for their lives. Some have recommitted themselves to worship—to joining the community of the faithful every Sunday for prayer and song and reflection and fellowship.

And here’s the thing. While these things take time, not one of these disciplines is meant to be painful. They are not supposed to make you feel miserable. They are holy ways to use your time, and, as such, they will feed your soul (like a good omelet will feed your body!).

Trust me. Shock your friends. Take something on this Lent—some outrageous spiritual thing that you haven’t made time for in recent months/years.

For in these holy things there is life.