My Journey of Lent
The journey of Lent is personal for each Christian. In fact, some Christians aren’t even aware of what Lent is, what it means. It should be a journey of drawing closer to Christ, of understanding His sacrifice. Yet so often it becomes a journey of self-righteousness rather than self-sacrifice. We “give up” something we think is important—often things that would be considered extreme luxuries in other parts of the world—like chocolate or sweets, T.V. or Facebook. Then we tell everyone what we’re doing so they’ll see just how self-sacrificing we are.
Several years ago I decided I wasn’t going to give up things for Lent. Instead, I adopted a writing discipline. This year I decided it would be poetry—I would write a new poem every day for Lent (with Sundays off, of course, because they aren’t part of the 40 days of Lent). Now here I am telling everyone about it, and thinking that I’d forgotten how hard it is to write a new poem every day whether there is inspiration or not. Still, the writing journey does draw me closer to my Savior, requires me to think about Him when I might otherwise be distracted by chocolate or sweets, T.V. or Facebook. It’s really no sacrifice, but it is a worthwhile journey.
Desert sun blazes
Forty days, forty long days
No food, no water
It’s only the beginning
Real sacrifice is coming
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For Haibun Monday at dVerse Poets Pub, Rajani has challenged us to write about a journey. The subject of this haibun was rambling around in my head this morning, though not in terms of a journey, but I wasn’t sure how to express it. The Haibun journey turned out to be the perfect expression. When I tried to write the haiku, however, it wanted to be a tanka.
Share this:
SMiLes.. my friend..
8 years ago.. God gifted
me with 40 sleepless
days during the
Lent period..
1 hour each for
the first 35 of
shallow sleep
with man-made
alpha blocker..
zero for the last
5 of 40.. lesSon
lEarned of Job..
ha!.. after Hell.. i happily
write literally hundreds of
poems a week.. as nothing
is too hard after REAL HELL…
And then there
was literally 66 months
of worse than crucifixion pain..
literally.. yes.. as assessed
in Medical
Literature..
w/2fredkU..;)
I think this is a beautiful discipline, and very good way to draw closer to the Divine. And you don’t tell about it to boast, but to explain and share and perhaps inspire.
Long ago I too did away with “giving up” and decided to “add on” something – whether it be prayer time or volunteering, etc. Giving of my time in some way – otherwise spent watching tv or whatever. Nice prose reflection and poem.
A most worthwhile endeavor, Linda. And I rather like that you personalized the journey and made Lent something meaningful for you. Thanks for sharing.
It is truly less about “giving up” and more about giving. Giving your thoughtful reflection in poem is certain a lesson of itself. Thank you, Linda.
I hadn’t thought about it as giving my thoughtful reflections. I like that. Thanks.
A wonderful way to draw closer to Christ. You are absolutely right – giving something up does nothing for us spiritually if we don’t use that sacrifice to focus on Christ instead of on our self-righteousness.
An excellent idea. I really like the idea of writing for Lent.
Your haibun took me back to my days at the convent, where Lent was taken very seriously and did include Sundays!
Excellent idea for Lent, Linda…especially if it moves you closer to Jesus!
Giving is great, but creating is even greater indeed. Besides, in writing poetry we give bits of us into the world, and what can be more beautiful than that?
Thanks. I’m glad you were blessed by this little bit of my journey that I’ve shared. Peace, Linda
Love your take on the prompt Linda..a positive journey indeed. Your tanka is like a warning about what is to come! Very nicely done!
I agree–it is so much more positive to DO something for Lent. Writing can be a powerful mission/ministry.
I wish you luck on that Linda ~ May it be a meaningful journey ~
A friend once said its not what you give up for Lent its what you decide to do for Lent, writing a poem everyday seems a good way to go…
Bjorn is like a machine; no one can keep up with him. Very imaginative take on he prompt, Linda–too much hypocrisy connected to both religion & politics. I like your solution; good luck.
Ah.. no sacrifice, but it does require some discipline to sit down every day to write something… Lent or not I do it every day… maybe my lent should be not to write… 🙂 Great thoughts here Linda… I think we should all take some time and give something up.