Theology Blog

Why I love Lent

I am an extrovert. I am also a verbal processor. I get my energy from being around people and I need to talk things out. I have more words than I (or others) even know what to do with. Lent, when fully embraced is a very reflective season. Lent is by far my favorite church season, but for reasons that continue to even surprise me.
The 40 days leading up to Easter (not counting Sundays) begin with the powerful observance known as Ash Wednesday. It is certainly not the most upbeat of church days, yet it is a critical start to the important season of Lent. For me, Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the church year as it causes me to carefully reflect on my own humanity, the suffering of Christ and the suffering around me. It is a stark start to the season of Lent that can be hard for someone such as myself who loves to focus on the positive. In Lent, we reflect on the life of Christ as well as his death. In Lent, we must examine, reflect on and embrace suffering. While our natural instinct is to avoid suffering, as Christ followers we are called to ‘take up our cross’ and embrace suffering. One of the yearly reminders Lent brings is a need to reflect on our own theology of suffering or lack of. The church in the United States today often struggles to embrace a healthy, Biblical understanding of suffering. This reflection is always powerful for me as I consider my own theology and attitude towards it. As I reflect on the suffering of Christ, the cross, resurrection and new life I am promised in Christ take on greater meaning. Lent enhances the indescribable power of Easter.
The spiritual disciplines are a great gift to Christ followers. Disciplines are tools that become habits that enhance our ability to focus on God rather than our own needs and desires. Much like brushing our teeth, showering, and exercise, they can maintain and enhance our health and general attitude. Without them we can survive, but it is not pretty. One of the most helpful disciplines is that of solitude. It certainly does not come naturally to those with my personality, yet it is critical to my spiritual health. Though I am a verbal processing extrovert, I need regular solitude. For a variety of reasons, Lent is always a season that renews, enhances and provides great opportunity and focus for solitude in my own life. Jesus himself often withdrew from the crowds (and the disciples) for prayer and solitude.
The focus that can come as a part of the season of Lent can be transformative. I have found each Lent has brought me great transformation regardless of my practices, needs or goals. Each Lent I seek to give something up in order to focus more on Christ. If I give up chocolate for example, I take time to pray and reflect every time I see or want to eat chocolate. Yet, Lent is more than just giving something up. For me, it has been critical to add something to enhance my spiritual life during Lent. Many of these practices have continued regularly or irregularly outside of that particular Lent. It has become a habit to find a Lenten devotional to assist in my reflection as I seek to journey to the cross with Christ.
Lent is deep, rich and powerful. In a time when many have lost sight of or do not even know about church seasons, Lent provides the necessary reflection to enhance our life with Christ. It truly is a gift and while difficult at times, is especially essential to verbal processing extroverts such as myself.