The Third Weekend of Lent

The one thing most people know about Lent is that you choose to stop doing something. Some people take a break from social media, some people stop drinking coffee or alcohol.

The big question is What are you giving up? Many of us are not very clear about why we are depriving ourselves.

There have been years when my approach to Lent has been focused and organized.

Like a basketball team in a tournament, I have analyzed my options and decided on a course of action. There was the year I gave up Netflix, and the time I gave up my job. I knew what I was going to do and could hit the ground running on Ash Wednesday.

Other years were more like this one. My approach is more reflective than analytical. Things come together more smoothly, and may not meet a specific schedule. I listen and wait for my Lent to make itself known. One year I worked on fear.

This week, as Lent draws close to its halfway point, it began to become clear to me.

Lent is not really about giving up anything.

Lent is a season to go deeper, to explore and discover more of your true self. When I give things up it is more about letting go of the distractions that clutter my life than demonstrating how disciplined I can be.

My Lent is about asking good questions.

I do not mean asking them only in my own head or heart. I mean asking them out loud.

I will ask at least one good question in person every day. It may make people feel better, or uncomfortable, or relieved.

How much is a good question worth to you?

What is the best question anyone has asked you today?

[Image by Anna Levinzon]