Lent 2011 Just the Beginning

Forgiveness Sunday really should come with a disclaimer.....and a box of Kleenex! I've always loved Advent. It's such a sweet reminder of how Jesus came and changed everything. Advent is where the hope of our faith adventure begins. And maybe it makes me a little glass half empty, but this faith walk actually prefers Lent. The passion of the Christ is where our faith gets it's power. In His death-we have life, not just eternally, but every day.

It was a simple message this morning. "Jesus gave His life to save yours. With His resurrection, you don't have to wonder, you can know-you're never alone." Apparently I wasn't the only one who needed to hear that this morning. Tears were running down a lot of faces as the reminders of forgiveness and grace took root in broken, prideful hearts.

God was gently whispering to all of us, "Will you please stop running from Me?"

A simple request from One who has already given up everything for me.

And I'm so glad I stayed. When else is communion so powerful except in this season? The body of Christ. The blood of Christ. The power of Christ. The forgiveness of Christ. Everything about these days calls us to remember.

I have a feeling this Lent is going to be different for this life. And I have a suspicion that 40 days will be just the beginning.

I can't bring myself to give up anything superficial this year. I'm sure I could think of some things this life would be better without, but I don't need to prove to Him that I can give up french fries or butter or whatever.

This year for Lent I'm giving up me. I'm giving up being in charge of me, leaning on me, and trusting in me.

I'm going to stop running.......except to Him.