Anticipating Lent

As Lent once more rolls around, I feel tired, empty, and needy. More than anything, I long to see Jesus again. The past two years have been hard for everyone, and our souls crave the peace and hope that only His presence can provide. The past two weeks, with all of the upheaval in Europe and the heart-breaking stories of Ukrainians fighting for their lives and freedom, are taking an additional toll. I've been waking up extremely early the past few days to look at my phone and make sure Kiev hasn't fallen yet; then I fall back to sleep praying it won't fall.

That is why I love the beauty of the church calendar, especially Advent through Eastertide, where we step back from our daily lives and focus a little more on Jesus, who has Himself experienced pain deeper than anything we can truly understand.

Each year I promise myself that I'll spend Lent growing closer to Jesus, spending time with Him on a daily basis, thinking about Him, and drawing close to His heart. Every year, though, I find myself failing. Perhaps it's a good reminder of why I need a Savior. I can work and try and promise, but in the end, I can't even live up to the goal I set for myself, let alone God's standard of perfection. So this Lent, as I try to consistently blog about Jesus, let's walk together. Let's begin at the stable, walk the road to Jerusalem, and conclude our journey at the empty tomb, filled with life and renewed hope.