Lent is a time for internal reflection or introspection. This week, a verse from Matthew came to mind. Although the context is giving to the needy, I thought it might be appropriate to share on our Lenten journey. In fact, you might enjoy reading Matthew chapters Six and Seven for inspiration and contemplation during this coming week.
Matthew 6:1 New International Version (NIV)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Listed hereunder are a few things which can be quietly done during the weeks to come. They require no fanfare, no explanation and can be repeated only once, or daily or weekly, as the Spirit moves through your day.
- Don’t purchase anything you do not need
- Take stock of what you are not using, especially items which can be used at shelters, pack them up and make arrangements to deliver them
- Organize one drawer or one closet each day for not more than 30 minutes
- Do not listen to or share gossip
- Take fifteen minutes each day to care for the wonderful body which God gave you – walk, run, meditate, soak in the tub surrounded by candles
- Practice intermittent fasting – eat only between the hours of 10am to 6pm
- Drink tap water and carry it with you instead of purchasing plastic water bottles
- Each day, say at least one nice thing to your partner, children/grandchildren and your pets
- Don’t eat out for the period of Lent. Give any money saved to a local food bank
- Replace 30 minutes of television or screen time with 30 minutes of reading, or prayer, or meditation or face to face time with someone you care about
- Do not complain or speak negatively
- Let someone cut in line in front of you
- If you are buying a coffee and are able to, pay for the person in line behind you
- Call someone you have not seen or heard from in the past two months
- Offer to pick up something at the store for a neighbour.
I am sure you can think of many other things yourself. Whatever you do, do it without the need for recognition. Let it be between Creator God and you.
In peace
Beryl
In our Good News pew Bibles, Matthew 6 is on pages 9-10 in the New Testament and Matthew 7 is on pages 10-12.