The time of Lent

Sometimes we Forget. We forget birthdays, anniversaries, important dates. We forget names. We forget memories, songs, the voice of a loved one now in heaven.

We forget to turn off the light, to close a drawer, to lock a door. We forget why we went in a room or what we were going to say next. We forget assignments, directions, engagements - we forget to look at our calendar. We forget why it is we’re doing what we’re doing. We forget where we put it. We forget what matters.

We forget to pray. We forget to praise. We forget to worship. We forget to make time for the one that created time. We forget we need Him in order to breathe, to wake up everyday - to simply be.

It seems like we’re in the business of forgetting. It’s something we do well. Our Abba Father says - don’t forget. He know this about us. He had the Israelites tie tassels on themselves as a reminder of his commandments knowing they’d forget. He commanded they celebrate the Passover celebration so at least they would tell their children once a year of how God protected them from the angel of death in Egypt. He knew in one generation He could be forgotten.  We forget why we need Him.

 Easter rolls around every Spring in its predictable way. We’re ready to whip out our spring clothes and white shoes. The easter baskets are filled with candy, the ham is in the oven and an easter lily graces our table. At church we sing all the familiar Easter hymns and enjoy the sermon filled with good news - Christ has risen! He has risen indeed! Then why does it feel like we’ve forgotten something? Oh, yes .....

He had to die. 

The season of Lent starts with Ash Wednesday on March 9th. It is 40 days long, not including Sundays. Lent is the time in the church year that allows for reflection, repentance and preparation for Easter. It’s the time to Remember. Remember we need Him to forgive us. Remember we need Him to live a perfect life for us. Remember He suffered and died - for OUR sins. Remember that He humbled Himself on this earth - and He didn’t forget us. Remember all that and THEN come celebrate on Easter Sunday and shout from the rooftops Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!