Terry’s Take… Preparation
While it seems we just put our Christmas decorations away, we begin Lent on February 14th this year… and that’s right around the corner!
I will be talking about Lent these next few “takes” so begin thinking about ways you can prepare to follow Jesus more deeply and meaningfully. Unless we prepare now, we may find ourselves in the midst of Lent without having given it any thought on how it may impact our lives.
The process of preparation is actually very helpful and healthy. It allows us to ease into the major change in mindset and lifestyle that Lent requires of us.
I am reminded of Judith Beck who wrote a book called The Beck Diet Solution*. In her book, she attempts to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist in the weight loss process. Beginning her program means that the reader doesn’t even begin dieting for the first two weeks (1/3 of the total program), because her research has demonstrated that preparation is the greatest indicator of a person’s success in their diet.
Judith begins her book by having the client write down a clear statement about their desire for the diet, what the client is hoping to get out of the diet, how their life will change as a result of dieting, etc. We can do the same thing when it comes to Lent.
Remember the Bible story of Zacchaeus? He knew something wasn’t quite right; he knew he was not happy nor felt complete. Why else would a man of such significance within the town, someone who was hated by most of the people on that roadside, climb a sycamore tree like a child to simply see Jesus who was coming into his village? Zacchaeus is the hero of the story because he climbed the tree, he took the risk, he knew something about his life was not quite working, so he went searching for healing.
What is our desire for Lent? What is our desire for Christ? What is our desire to change those things in our life that are not working and put them into the hands of God?
Do I see myself as someone who would be willing to climb the tree, and do the work, if it meant having Christ more in my life?
It would be too simple to look at the story of Zacchaeus and think that we are attempting to only learn about our desire for God in this time of preparation. Rather, we cannot forget about God’s desire for us. Christ came to the base of the sycamore tree in order to search out Zacchaeus. Christ desired to go to Zacchaeus’ home for dinner. He desired to seek a relationship with him.
How receptive are we to Christ’s desire for us?
If you are anything like me, you may find you have a long way to go in your journey. That journey is not made by simply sitting by and waiting for the days to tick away, but rather through the process of focusing on preparing ourselves for the journey of Lent.
Beginning here, this week, what might be the best way to prepare for Lent?
The story of Zacchaeus inspires us to meditate on our desires. We should ask ourselves what are the desires that we have, and are they principally for the Lord… or are they for other idols? Do I long more for other things in my life than I long for an experience of God?
How about trying to “pre-prayer” by asking God to help you have a Lent this year that brings you closer to Him? How about coming to his house for dinner… where a spiritual meal awaits you?
Next week: “So what is Lent anyway?”
*You can see “The Beck Diet Solution” on Amazon, Indigo, or the public library.