Lent - Adding On

I respect the practice of giving up something for Lent as part of personal worship. But maybe another question could be:

What can I add?

 

I'd like to suggest a few ways to add something of value to your days. The common denominator is to become closer to God and what he wants from your life. That is the true essence of personal worship. Consider these:

• Focus on People Not Things

spend time with a friend or neighbor

develop a friendship with a fellow Christian

do something fun with friends or family who would benefit from time together

• Sabbath Fun

Ruth Bell Graham, late wife of evangelist Billy Graham, in her book about parenting the Graham children, shared that they always made Sundays fun. Many children of that era grew up thinking Sundays (the Sabbath in Bible terms) were long, boring, not-fun days. My husband was not allowed to ride his bike on Sundays because it was "the Lord's day." Instead, Ruth Graham declared Sundays the days the children could have pop or ice cream or do something fun with their siblings. She wisely wanted them to enjoy the special day set aside for God. Churches today are good about making Sunday school activities enjoyable for children. That joy should be carried over into adulthood. Think about ways you can make the Sundays during the Lenten season enjoyable for your family.

Speaking of Celebrations...

A church in Whittier, California, celebrates Easter by renting a confetti machine. At the end of the worshipful Easter service, off goes the confetti INSIDE the church. Contrary to what you might think, it is indeed very worshipful. Easter is the most significant celebration of the Christian faith. Why not rejoice for the party it truly is? I'll admit, I was skeptical at first, but I've worshiped there several Easters and I was blessed. Confetti all over the floor, our shoulders, our hair, and even in our mouths was a fun reminder of the celebration of eternal life because of the Easter Resurrection.

• Acts of Service

Again, I refer readers to Lent 101, a devotional that appears in The Upper Room. It gives some good suggestions for what to add to your preparation for Easter by observing the season of Lent. Read it again and be blessed.