'Tis This Season

I love Lent.

There, I said it.
That could, perhaps, sound odd to some.

Lent is, generally, thought of as a season of denial. Of penitence. Of restraint.

All of these terribly downer-feeling words. Words that no one really enjoys hearing.... especially when it comes to their own lives. (me included) But, in spite of and (perchance) because of that... it's one of my favorite seasons of the year.

Confession, it wasn't until I was in my 20's that I truly began to observe (understand) the Lenten season.

This time that leads up to the Holy Sacrifice.

When my son was born and my world started to crumble~ yes, I understood it more.

As I've grown up & come to understand the magical power of grace... oh, that grace... I've embraced this time more and more.

To see and feel and touch and taste the mess that I can make of my life. And then to know that it has been Redeemed. Not by my sad self. But by a God (the One) who sees me and loves me.

Me.
The happy, smiley, shiny, sparkly me.
The dark, ugly, tarnished, fragile me.

Not because of me.
(Never)
Because of Him.
(Forever)

Lent reminds me of that.

And, whatever my sacrifice this season (or any). It's a poor, shallow, all-encompassing, small, fleeting but powerful & mighty shadow of the gift that was freely given for me by sacrifice of the Lamb.

It's a sacred time, this time of Lent.