Jimbo's Jots

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 is the start of the Lenten season. Some of my Christian brothers and sisters will commit to giving up something over a period of 40 days. The primary purpose is to be reminded of the last days of Jesus and the sacrifice given for us.

I go back and forth about Lent. Not from a practice or “what will I give up this year?” perspective. And it’s not really a struggle or at least shouldn’t be.

It’s a basic idea – you are to give up CONTROL. Control is the most common cause of anxiety and anxious feelings. Really . . . it is!

You’re sitting in traffic because of an accident ahead, but you’re also late for a meeting. So you begin to feel anxious.

Or you’re sitting in your doctor’s office waiting to hear your latest physical results. You’re heart begins to race.

Your spouse doesn’t do what you asked when you asked with the expectation that it should be done right then and there. So you get irritated.

But what if we gave up control every day and not just for Lent. What if we had the mindset of celebrating Lent every day, all of the time.

Think about Jesus’ words: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV) So whether you choose to participate in Lent or not, Jesus says we need to give up control and let Him lead for Lent and beyond.

Be blessed and be a blessing!