Fasting from the Should's

If you’re Roman Catholic or part of a mainline denomination (like us Lutherans), this Wednesday (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of Lent.  That’s why you’ll be seeing all those folks walking around with black marks on their foreheads.  These marks are actually the shape of crosses made out of ashes.  It’s our tradition to receive those ashes as a way to remember “you are dust and to dust you shall return.”
Now that might sound depressing, but it is really more of a devotional practice to help orient ourselves for a season of contemplation.  From now until Easter Sunday, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, Christians observe these weeks as a time to reflect upon all that we believe Jesus did for us. 
Many Christians use this time to fast—or to give up something—as a reminder.   You’ll hear people talk about “giving up sugar for Lent” or “for Lent, I’m going to stop eating meat.”  Instead of giving up something, some Christians observe Lent by adding a practice they hope will draw them closer to God.  For example, some might decide to journal every day during Lent, or make a point to create a space for intentional daily prayer.
Whether you’re fasting from something or adding a devotional practice to your daily routine, the end result is to draw you closer to God.

On the way to work this morning, my mind was racing about all the things I “should” be doing.  I should be eating better. 
I should be drinking more water.
I should be spending more time with my kids on their homework.
I should be meditating more.
I should be writing more letters to loved ones.

It. never. ends.
My guess is I’m not alone in this unending quest for doing more.
The “should’s” can take hold of our lives leaving us feeling stressed, anxious, and inadequate.

So for Lent this season, how about fasting from the “should’s”?
How about deciding that from now until Easter Sunday you might focus on just “being.”
Spend time in gratitude for all that you are already doing and how those things can also be prayerful.
Let the "should's" lie dormant for a season.
Give them up for Lent.
I imagine in doing so, you’ll also draw closer to God.

See you in church,
Pastor Brook