40 days

So I'm beginning this blog with the intention of writing in it every day during Lent. Or at least I will try. I've grown up practicing the traditional "sacrificing" of Lent, giving up something each year to, in a very small way, reflect Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross at Easter. I've given up chocolate, soda, sweet tea, etc. When I was younger, I used to think I was clever and would say I was giving up homework. One thing I've always been told though is that it can also be beneficial to "add something," or promise that you will try something for the 40 days of Lent. These have always fallen through for me; I've tried "being nicer to my sister" or "working out more," but they never get accomplished. I believe it's because adding something beneficial to your life is less concrete than not eating a certain food or drinking a certain beverage. However, this year, I am committed to my Lent promise.

I am doing the traditional sacrifice, and I am going 40 days without eating pizza. This might be difficult when pizza is the only edible option at the dining hall. However, I am also trying a new thing.

I realized tonight during a time of worship at my school that I have never spent time with God every day straight for 40 days. Never. Ever. In the 8 or so years that I have called myself a follower of Christ, I have never gone a longer amount of time than 2 weeks or so in which I have consistently talked to the Lord, read His word, or spent time in prayer. So that is my commitment this Lent, one that I am not going to forget about.

I so often forget about God's role in my life as a friend. He is my best friend, so why would I not want to "hang out" with Him every day. He already knows everything I am going to say, but that doesn't mean He doesn't want to hear it. God enjoys hearing from us. As it says in Zephaniah, He takes great delight in us. When we wake up in the morning, God says, "Yes! I get to spend another day with her!" That is so incredibly awesome.

"Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18