SnOw much SNOW!

The Boston metro area has had it's second snowiest winter on record so far and it's not over yet.  It has been difficult the past few weeks because we've received so much snow in such a short amount of time.  There just isn't that much room to put 7ft of snow.  It's light and fluffy so it just keeps piling up.  People are resourceful and the cities are doing what they can to remove snow to "snow farms."  Last resort will be to dump it into the harbor - it's not the best option due to the harm it could cause the environment.  It will melt, eventually, but we must bare it and pray for no more.  All this snow might just cause some New Englanders to cry out to God.  We desperately need the Lord for more than simply alternating the clouds and wind, which brings me to my main topic of this post.

Today is Ash Wednesday - the start of the Lenten season, the 40 day period excluding Sundays that leads up to Easter.  I usually observe Lent with a fast from something.  In the past I've abstained from drinking anything but water, denied myself chocolate, given up drinking soft drinks, and attem
pted to not eat bread.  Whatever it has been, I usually feel it.  The small sacrifice reminds me of greater sacrifice paid by Christ on the cross.  This year, I have decided to fast from TV.  Of course, it's not just denying myself the 2-3 hours of mindless sedentary action each evening, but finding more constructive use of my time.  I commit to spending time reading and writing (thus this blog post).  I know it will be healthier for me.

If you are wondering whether or not you should observe Lent, I encourage you to consider even a small change in your actions that might draw you closer to God.  Giving up something is just one way to observe this holy season.  Consider praying for a specific person or situation each day or take time to serve in your community.  Another great way to observe Lent is to read a devotion such as this one that's focuses on God's word.  You'll find that your commitment to focus your life on Jesus for 40 days will change the rest of your year. 

I'll leave you with the verse of the day:

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14