My mother’s generation believed in a season of spring cleaning, and my sister and I learned to appreciate setting aside a definite time of year for such tasks. We repapered and straightened shelves, gathered old clothes, dusted the ceilings, washed the windows, and generally spruced up the house. The end of our labor gave us a great sense of accomplishment and celebration.
Today begins a spiritual season of house cleaning known as Lent. Why practice Lent?
It marks a forty-day preparation for Easter with a time of introspection and self-denial designed to lead to repentance and spiritual growth. During this period we remember Jesus’ example of solitude in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry—a time of self-denial and seeking God. Having grown up in a different church culture, I always considered Lent as simply a time to give up something wonderful like candy or chocolate. There seemed to be no purpose behind it—at least from the perspective of many of my childhood friends who were forced into it.
During the past several years I have learned to appreciate this season set aside for soul cleaning, more time in prayer, and increased focus on Jesus. When it is over, I better appreciate the Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.
Today I will attend an Ash Wednesday service and begin fasting (this year from bread and also games like Solitare and Sudoku). Self-denial helps me eliminate some distractions and forces me to lean on the Spirit for the discipline to persevere. I am reading a daily Lenten devotional to help me clean out my soul and draw closer to Christ, asking God to convict me of the sins that have crept unnoticed into my heart and make me more like Jesus.
I hope you will consider doing some spring cleaning of your own! I would love to hear your stories.
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