Preparing for Lent

One of the best things about Lent is that it happens every year.  It's like having a Christian restart button.  Lent reminds us that we are a people in process. As much as we intend to do well, we often fail. As much as we resolve to do differently, we forget.  Lent reminds us that imperfection and frailty are realities, but that growth is still possible - especially with God's help.
As I anticipate Lent, I have been asking God to guide me in the steps I can take to correct the ways I'm slipping. Different years have brought different actions.  One year, I gave up putting sugar in my tea.  That may seem insignficant but it was huge for me.  I wasn't keeping track of how much sugar I was consuming. Giving it up during Lent was a way to say to myself and God, 'I care about my health and I know you, God, do too'.  When Lent ended, the sugar craving was lighter. I stopped using sugar for good.  Now, I realize that I was eating about 3 lbs of sugar a month!
This year, my "giving up." activities will be different, but one thing remains the same: I want to hit a reset button. God invites us to return when we wander, to knock when we need back in. Whatever we forego, or change, or take on, God wants to be a part of it. When we empty something and invite God, God fills the empty space. When we want to change for the better, God gives us strength.  What will you add or remove in your life duing Lent? It's six weeks of resetting.  Pray about it, anticipate it, do it!  God is ready to welcome you into your "restart".