Linens and Lent

 I bet you're wondering what linens and Lent have to do with each other.  Well ~ absolutely nothing.  Inspired by Brenda's posts a few days ago over at Cozy Little House about authenticity and blog parties and being yourself, I decided to post today about Lent and throw in some pictures of the pretty linens I found at Scott's last weekend. 

 So here we go with some authenticity ~ I attended my first Lenten service tonight.  I must admit until the last few weeks, I knew absolutely nothing about Lent and never understood it's meaning or purpose.  I didn't understand what giving up chocolate had to do with Easter or anything spiritual.  I attend a very large non-denominational church that is made up of people from various church backgrounds and over 100 different cultures.  Last year they held their first Lenten service and it was packed to overflowing, so this year they held two services. 

I was amazed at what I learned tonight ~ a little bit of Lenten history through the ages, but more importantly, what it means and how to apply it to my life today. 

 Our pastor talked about Lent as acknowledging our need for God and it being a sort of spiritual spring cleaning ~ getting rid of the accumulated clutter.  Now I could really relate to that in a material sense, but he focused on accumulated clutter as being things like passing judgment, habits, bitterness and our thoughts.  I could also relate to that and the need for a spiritual spring cleaning of my heart. 

He talked about fasting or giving something up, not so much as self-denial, but as a way of "creating space for God" and asked challenging and probing questions such as, "what do I satisfy my thirsts with?" 

I squirmed a little in my seat as it wasn't hard for me to see all the "things" I use to fill up my life instead of seeking more of God. 

A part of me wished I had remained ignorant of the meaning of Lent, but another part was ready to embark on this 40-day journey of spiritual spring cleaning in preparation for Holy Week. 

 I am glad I attended my first Lenten service tonight and to learn more of church tradition, but most importantly, to realize that every spring, Lent will be a reminder and  challenge to seek a closer walk with God.~Linking with The Brambleberry Cottage for Time Travel Thursday