What is Lent?

I am sure we all know that today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of Lent. You and/or people you know may be giving something up for Lent, but do you know why? Is it something you do just because? For me, I did not grow up giving something up for Lent. I think I was so fearful I would not be doing it for the right purpose. I get very frustrated when people use this as a jump start diet or for other selfish motives.

What is Lent?
By definition, "Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection." (source)

The length of time, 40 days, has great biblical significance throughout the Bible. To name a few:
* God sent rain for 40 days and nights -Noah's Ark (Genesis 7:4).
* Jesus spent 40 days and nights fasting, testing, and communing with God (Matthew 4:2).
* Jesus remained on earth 40 days after resurrection (Acts 1:3).
* Women are pregnant for 40 weeks.

How to practice Lent?
All this being said, not all Christians celebrate/acknowledge Lent. The Bible does not command believers to do so. However, the season is established on biblical principles. We should use this time as an opportunity to shift our focus away from earthly possessions/idols/luxuries that all to often distract us or cause us to depend on them, and towards more attention to and dependence on our heavenly Father.

If you choose to observe Lent this year, try doing something in each of these three categories:
"Fasting- Give up something for God. Fasting is not a means to “earn” something from God, but rather a way to learn to curb your appetites and focus more completely on God. There are many varieties of fasting.
Prayer and Meditation- Read over the Gospel accounts of Christ’s arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Reflect on His suffering, and the tremendous love that it represents. Reflect on your own sin and what it cost Him. Take out some time for prayers of confession and repentance. Do some spiritual “house cleaning.”
Giving to the poor- Use the money that you save by not _____ to help the poor. Consider doing some volunteer work. How can you show the love of Christ to others?" (source)

Am I Giving Up Anything for Lent?
In the past, some years I have given something up and other years I have decided against it. Past efforts include biting/picking at my nails, listening to the radio, and eating meat. And honestly I am embarrassed to admit I have failed every time. As I was thinking and praying on this subject, I was searching for something I do/consume on a daily basis, something that I am in a sense dependent upon. And I have decided that starting today I am giving up coffee. I consume at least one cup a day and look forward to leisure weekend mornings sipping multiple cups in my pjs. I hope to use the time I normally prepare and consume coffee to meet privately with God, seeking Him for guidance, thanking and praising Him for His unconditional love, and asking Him to open my eyes and to reveal my sins to me. Additionally, and I do not know exactly how I am going to do this, I want to calculate the amount of money I would have used for my coffee consumption and donate that money to a special cause, maybe add it to my monthly tithe or do something completely different with it. Hopefully God will reveal this to me during our time together. I can't say I am looking forward to not having coffee for the next 40 days. But I am looking forward to truly testing myself and seeing how God uses this to bring me closer to Him.

The above is by no means attended to push my beliefs on anyone. I am simply sharing my opinions here and if I have in any way offended you, I am sincerely sorry.