Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent which last for 46 days. Ending on Easter Day, Lent is a tradition with the themes of repentence, worship and self sacrifice practiced in the Roman Catholic and some Christian churches. Catholics traditionally observe Ash Wednesday by going to a liturgical service and putting ashes on their foreheads, in the shape of a cross. This symbolizes repentence for sins, and remembers Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Similarly, Christians can also receive ashes on their foreheads if they are saved and baptized. From this day on until Easter Sunday, people observe Lent by giving up something they enjoy, whether it be a pleasure or a sin. For Christians, this is optional, and it is my first time observing Lent.

Lent is not meant to be a time where religious people show their own willpower by using their own strength to give up something. It is a time to notice something that has become pervasive, or overabundant in your life, and sacrifice your indulgence in that thing in worship to God. This has a lot to do with humility, in fact. Instead of the pride that many people associate with Lent, thinking "I can do with out this, I'm so good. Look at me," I believe God's heart in this time is to teach us more about dependence on Him and His strength in our hearts.

I decided with God last night to give up red meat for Lent, during this 46 day time-span. You see, steak is my favorite food, in fact, I've eaten a steak dinner 3 times in the last week. I eat red meat approximately every other day, and I notice it has become a staple in my mealtimes. With the motive of worshipping God, I am going to forego all red meat (burgers, pot roast, steak, pork...) for the next 46 days. When I crave my meat that I enjoy so much, I will intentionally turn my heart toward God in humility, worship and admiration. He is really all I need. My deep joy comes from Him alone. I look forward to this journey with God.