So where are you in this Lenten journey? Seem like we’ve been “Lenting” for a while now. Or just the opposite? Are you surprised at how quickly this Lent is going and feel like you still haven’t gotten a great hold of your resolutions for this Lent? Or both? I pray this Lent Devotional for Women has been a blessing in your Lenten devotional for time this year; I know it has been for me.
By the way, when I mentioned not having a good hold of your Lent, I was talking about myself. If you’re new here, that’s typically how things work around here. I preach to myself, or teach myself, or learn something new and like any good girlfriend, I bring ya’ll along with me. You’re welcome!
Back to this Lent. I just don’t feel like I’ve gotten into my Lent groove yet…and again. This happens every Lent. Of course, all things considered, this year, I may never get a hold of my Lent.
Not feeling like I’ve gotten a hold of my Lent, or ahead of my Lent; that’s red flag numero uno–the word “feel.”
When I say I don’t “feel” like I’ve hit my groove what I really mean, is if I sit down and get quiet and honest, I’m trying too hard to be or look “Lent-like.” Do you know what I mean?
It means maybe God is working hard on my heart to be kind, gentle, patient, or some other virtue. But on the outside, you know the side people see, it doesn’t look like much is going on even though I’m struggling mightily on the inside! So not only am I trying to do what God is calling me to do for Lent, I’m struggling because it doesn’t look like I’m doing anything. So I try to do something…anything that makes me look “Lent-like” on the outside.
Whew!! Exhausting right!?!
This whole Lent we’ve talked about loving more and better and loving God, ourselves, and others. I’ve tried to put a face to it and call it “Lent.” But that’s not what I’m being called to do. I’m not being called to be “Lent-like,” I’m being called to be “Christ-like.” Huge difference.
Here are some examples…
Lent-like gladly serves the little child in the donut line at church, looking him in the eyes and smiling.
Christ-like gladly serves the little child in my own home, looking him in the eyes and smiling.
Lent-like patiently helps the man in the grocery store find the Tumeric on the spice aisle.
Christ-like patiently helps my husband find the Tumeric on the spice rack in the pantry.
Lent-like scoots over in the pew at church, with a smile, so a family can sit down and share my pew.
Christ-like scoots over in the comfy chair in the morning during my quiet time, with a smile, for the earliest of early risers.
Lent-like offers to help clean up the kitchen after a church pot-luck or a women’s Bible study.
Christ-like offers to help my children clean up the kitchen after dinner when it’s their day to clean the kitchen.
Lent-like picks up the box of cereal that fell into the floor at the grocery store and puts it back where it belongs.
Christ-like picks up the box of cereal left out on the counter and puts it back where it belongs without yelling, “Who left the cereal out again?!!?”
I don’t know about you but it is so much easier to be Lent-like than to be Christ-like.
Just me? Ahem…well…as we say in the South, “Bless your heart.”
You know Christ’s words where He says whatever you did for the least of these you did for me? Well, how often do we think or say, “Oh it’s just my husband…” Or, “Oh it’s just a kid…” I’m stepping on someone’s toes right now! (Raises my own hand.)
I think when we use the word “just” to describe those closest to us, we have prioritized them to a “least” position. Ouch! Who felt that one?
And serving my family and those closest to me, as I would serve strangers or mere acquaintances may not “feel” as Lent-like but it’s definitely Christ-like.
More Lent Devotional for Women posts.
Essential Oil Notes:
Lisa Faris says
Wow… I feel like that one smacked me right between the eyes. I definitely need to hear that today. Especial since I just just grumpily asked this morning “who dribbled coffee all over the counter as I wiped it up.” Thank you.
Kathy says
I see that most comments are from a few years ago. I just wanted to say that I am so grateful to have found this online devotional this year. Your words pack a punch that have me thinking. Your words are speaking to my heart. Thank you!
Barbara says
I needed this particular post. I tend to think of everyone but my family.
Jenny says
It’s hard. Our family is right there with us every single day and it’s easy to look over and past them to serve others.
EveyD says
I’m new to you as of last weekend when I literally read every single one if your posts. My thirst was inevitable but I was led to you for a reason. I know exactly how you feel lent has gone “Lenty” for me as well. I look forward to your posts when you can, we will be right here waiting for you. Thank you for being sooo open.
Jenny says
Welcome! I’m so glad we’ve found each other. It’s like finding a needle in the haystack of the internet. Thank you for reaching out to introduce yourself.
EveyD says
I look forward to joining you on Facebook after Lent is over (I gave up Facebook, Twitter, Periscope and Instagram). I’m glad to say I haven’t missed it. I needed the time to reflect on myself.
Jenny says
Good for you girl! When you get back, I’ve jumped into the world of Periscope and I think I like it 🙂
Stacy says
Jenny I love your posts. You are very inspiring to me. I am most thankful that I am blessed to be able to read your devotions during this Lent. You are such a blessing that I needed for the time in my life. Thank you so much!!
Jenny says
Oh Stacy, thank you for encouraging me. God is so good to bring us together in His perfect time.
Katie says
I am thankful for your posts, Jenny, whenever they come!