Some Christians “give up something for Lent”, such as meatless Fridays, giving up sweets, going out to eat or something else. Others find a way to serve others by volunteering either within an organization they support, or by making a mindful effort to serve God by serving others as they see needs arise, within their churches, neighborhoods or communities. Still other people make an extra effort to work on improving relationships, especially the one with God, by spending extra time in prayer, Scripture or meditation.

Even if you didn’t start on Ash Wednesday, any of these things can be a focus during the rest of the Lenten season. But be warned—any of these things can be life-changing. You may find that whatever you ‘sacrificed” doesn’t turn out to be much of a sacrifice, because you don’t really miss it. You may find your act of services gives you so much joy, you keep on serving. You may find as you work on your relationship with God, your anxiety levels drop, your worries melt away, and you may even rest better.

 Whatever activity you choose, God will fill you.

And if you choose none of the above, you may still feel yourself becoming thankful and more aware of God’s many blessings as you go about your everyday life in your usual, or in some cases unusual (!) routine.

The Lenten season, culminating in Easter glory, brings out a variety of feelings. Jesus’ gifts of ministry, willingness to sacrifice, willingness to die, and then reveal life everlasting through his resurrection appearance that morning, is what it’s all about.

May God bless you and fill you in unexpected, wonderful ways over the next few weeks.  Margaret