Lent. And how I stack up.

This week marks the beginning of Lent. This year I am trying something different. Instead of giving up meat, or Facebook, or even chocolate...I am giving up what holds me back from the life I ought to be living, even more than overindulgence in any of the above. I am giving up comparison and complaining. Sounds lofty. I know that as long as I live in this flesh I will not succeed 100% of the time. I can however, make a concerted effort for 40 days to dismount comparison and complaint from their comfortable positions in my mind and heart. I can choose, when tempted, not to bow down comparison and not tread a new path of complaint...at least not every time. I can chose, should I find myself in the middle of these roads,to make a U-Turn. I can choose to spend 40 days thinking about the life of my Savior, and not my neighbor, or my neighbor’s neighbor, or whoever it is who happens to have the…..I think I want. For me, Lent is helpful. I am not that great at giving up what I know I overindulge in without a plan. Especially when my overindulgence comes in the way of comparison and self-pity. Imagine how freeing it could be to ride to Easter morning service without unwanted passengers like comparison and complaint coming along. It may be my most enjoyable Easter yet. :)

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”

Psalm 143:10 (ESV)