Entering the First Full Week of Lent ~ 40 Days of Seeking Him

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Yesterday was the first Sunday of Lent which means that we are really embarking into the desert.  Our pastor made a statement that jumped out at me regarding going into the desert.  How many of us willingly run towards the desert knowing the struggles and temptations that await us?  Human nature is more about meeting self-interest and I know that fully embracing the three legs of Lent (almsgiving, fasting, and prayer) can be something we try to avoid.

As much as I’d like to NOT admit it, I have spent more time this year in denial (or avoiding that desert) than I’d like to admit. It is easy to get caught up in the social media world and want to look at just the positive, wishing away our imperfections and struggles which we think may make us look inferior compared to others. It doesn’t matter if my head knows that status updates and photos are often white washed to look perfect. I still find my heart buying into the lie that people are living the ‘picture perfect’ life and I’m the strange one. 

Deciding to enter the desert and allow God to work on my imperfections can be a scary proposition and hence I avoid fully embracing the path for fear of how I will appear to others. Besides, I know that God WILL seek me out, so in the long run hiding is futile and might only prolong any suffering being experienced.

 

 

Looking Back at the Past Week for 40 Days of Seeking Him

 

Just like I did with the link up this past Advent, I am going to share the most visited post (or posts if there is a tie for click throughs) as well as a personal favorite or two from the previous week’s link up. 

 

The most visited post was Toward Hallways Beyond by Nancy at The Cloistered Heart.  She does a beautiful job sharing about the pull towards God and how we need to cross the threshold of one door and walk through the hallway as we follow God in our life.

 

Yes, as I have hesitated with really immersing myself in the desert, it can be a scary thing to do.  And, it is NOT a one time event, but rather something we do every day.  If you haven’t clicked over there to read it, definitely take the time to do so.  Don’t forget that a little comment love is usually appreciated.

 

 

Picking a favorite post for the week was such a challenge.  There are so many great ones, including a few ‘round up’ style posts that provide more ideas than any one person could implement in a given Lenten season.  I was particularly drawn to my friend Martianne’s post Of Snow and a Free Printable 2015 Daily Planner for Lent on Training Happy Hearts. 

She shared about adaptability when our best laid plans must be set aside.  I have a desire to get more done and not be overwhelmed by the inability to get everything done that we want to get done.  I am eager to try using her daily planner to help me keep focus on what is truly important and let God settle the rest.

This year, I am joining Trish @ A House Upon the Rock in co-hosting the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme.  The linky will be up each week so you can add in posts daily, weekly, or whenever you are able.  The posts can be about anything related to Lent and preparing for Easter ~ crafts, food, devotions, music or reflections are all welcomed.

I hope that my readers will join us on the journey through Lent as we seek to grow closer to Christ.  Christian bloggers are welcome to join us in the weekly link up with posts that they are writing to showcase activities or reflections taken during this Lenten journey.

 

How has the first 5 days of Lent gone for you?

Are you already struggling with meeting your goals this Lent?