preparing for Lent: part 2

i stumbled upon this PDF while googling Lent.  beautiful words that shouldn't be limited just to the season of Lent.....

Lent should be more than a time of fasting. It should be a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It is a season in which we should:

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.

Fast from thought of illness; feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on the phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on hope.

Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire

 

 

another website calls the season of Lent simply, a time to examine ourselves carefully. 

 

so, from what i gather its a spring cleaning for our soul.  i really never thought of it that way and i like that idea.  perfect time of the year for it too.  its the time to look inward - see what is working and what is not - and make the changes necessary to be the person you want to be and are meant to be.  what i think is helpful about doing that type of soul searching is that you can do it along side Jesus - meaning if you need a mentor and guide...you can follow His journey, His struggles and temptations and periods of self doubt and find strength in His success.  with that type of support - you can then embark upon your own journey and revel in your own success.