40 days and 40 nights

That's how long Jesus prayed and fasted in the desert before facing Satan's temptations. The story of the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11) was the focus of the Ash Wednesday service at our church last night. I've understood the concept of fasting for several years but I didn't know that the tradition of fasting during Lent - the 40 days preceding Easter - symbolized Jesus' time of prayer, fasting and temptation in the desert. Apparently this is the first time I've actually paid attention during the Ash Wednesday service - it only took 33 years!

At work yesterday I heard someone saying they had given up elevators for Lent (they would be taking the stairs instead) - I thought that was pretty clever - especially if they plan to focus on their reliance on God as they climb and descend. I've never been very good at giving things up - for Lent or otherwise. One year I gave up my morning mocha for Lent. Instead I drank coffee-hot chocolates each morning and called it good - not one (or 40!) of my prouder moments.

Recognizing that it's the spirit - not the letter - of the law that is important I've begun adding a behavior that draws me closer to God during Lent rather than eliminating one. This year I am committing to spend quiet time with God each day. I would love to say that I already do this but the truth is I don't - so for the next 40 days I will. It will be hard - the business of life will become overwhelming, other activities will compete for priority, I'll come up with several reasons why it would be better if I skipped my quiet time for a day, I will get tired - but I will still spend quiet time with God each day knowing that in my weakness His strength is perfected and that the days that are hardest might also be the most profound.

I'd love to hear how you are preparing for the Easter Season - leave a comment if you'd like to share!