It's that time of year again!

Tomorrow we will enter into the lenten season with the distribution of Ashes at liturgy.  The question we should all consider is:  What are you going to do over these next 40 days?  Lent is often a time associated with sacrifice... maybe giving up fried food, chocolate, caffeine, etc.  But Lent is also about more than a practice of discipline and weight loss.  Lent can be an opportunity to sacrifice in solidarity with Jesus and all those who suffer... or it can be a time to intentionally do something (as opposed to intentionally not doing something like not drinking coffee) that can aid in your spiritual practice.  In past years, I have tried to commit each day for some meditation, or driving to school with the radio off.  Last year I joined a prayer and faith-sharing group that gathered weekly throughout Lent to pray and share the 'state of our heart'.  We still meet weekly (though my attendance is spotty at times due to other obligations) and continue to pray with and for one another.  One year I decided to give up chocolate (I lasted three days) but I think my heart wasn't in it.  I didn't think WHY I was giving up chocolate... it had no connection to the meaning behind the season of Lent.  It wasn't wrong to give chocolate up, but lent challenges, invites and encourages us to also consider our motivations.  Here are a few helpful resources for you to explore about Lent.  Please post in 1-2 paragraphs what Lent means to you and what you plan to do (or NOT do!) these next 40 days.