Lenten Resolutions

Well, today is the first day of Lent. I have been agonizing over what my Lenten plans should be, because I always have a hard time coming up with something. I can't give something up, or my weight will suffer. I've done it in the past, giving up soda for one, and I ended up dropping a few pounds. I know, it probably sounds awesome to be able to do that, but it is not good for me at all. I have to keep my weight up to stay healthy. I definitely notice a difference when my weight is down, it is much more difficult to get around.

Anyways, giving up something is "easy" if you ask me, because it's very cut and dry. But this morning I decided on two things that will strengthen me both physically and spiritually.

The first one is I will read the bible every day. Even if it's just a short passage, it's something. Like most things, I've found that once you start it is easy to keep going, but you have to pick up the book first. I have this daily bible reading plan from a friend that I've had for years now, so I think I will probably use that as a good starting point.

The second thing is I will exercise every day. I've been doing much better lately, doing something ALMOST daily. But I'm going to discipline myself and do something daily. This one is going to be tough, since sometimes there are busy days that don't allow much time for this (or so it seems.) I think I was scared to commit to this one, but this morning Jarrod prompted me that it's what I should do. And it is, I know it, but this is big, we're talking lifestyle change. I can't skip a day, not one! (I know Sundays aren't technically part of Lent, but I think that's a cop out to allow yourself a break on Sundays.) So if it's bed time, hypothetically, and I haven't exercised that day I can't let myself go to bed! This will be a complete new way of thinking. I'm hesitant, but I hope it'll become easier and by almost routine by the end of it. Don't they say it takes 6 weeks to form a new habit and 2 to break it? Well, this will be six weeks... and it's going to be tough...

But that's the point. Lent is supposed to be hard; a small sacrifice. And when I think of the pain and suffering that Jesus went through for my sins, what I'm doing pales in comparison. But it's still a sacrifice, and it will be good for me. Lent is supposed to be a great time to learn, a great time to strengthen yourself, a great time to grow closer to God. By taking care of myself I can have better relationships with those around me, and by having those I can experience God's love. By reading the bible daily, I can further deepen my faith and enrich my personal relationship with God.

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, but I very much believe in Lenten resolutions. I am much more likely to succeed by offering it up as a sacrifice to God.