Dear Peace Families,
The season of Lent has officially begun—though being covered in snow doesn’t feel quite the same as being marked with ashes.
Regardless, Lent echoes the 40 days that Jesus spent wandering through the wilderness, facing temptation. In Matthew’s Gospel, this journey happens immediately following his baptism from John, and is followed by his three years of ministry.
Similarly, we follow Jesus on this 40 day journey to the cross—but it is also a journey to resurrection and eternal life. During the season, many Christians have traditionally given up something for Lent. For some people, that has included things like coffee, chocolate, or desserts—sacrificing something they love for 40 days, acknowledging that Jesus sacrificed even more for us.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll offer suggestions for things we might give up—though there won’t be anything tangible mentioned. I propose we give up behaviors like comparison, unrealistic or uncommunicated expectations, the fear of failure, poor boundaries, pride, and inaction.
In the meantime, embrace the reality that Lent offers—whatever we wander through in life, God walks beside us, and the road always leads to eternal life and everlasting love.
Grace and Peace,
Joe
PS. This Sunday at 2:00pm is our sledding event at Brookside Park. Bring your family for an afternoon of fun in the snow–there will be plenty of it!
Family Tip of the Week
Ponder together with your family what behaviors you would like to do and see less of. How might you proactively diminish them?