Why I Love Lent
Have you ever wondered how kids know to be excited for holidays? I don't think it's something we teach them directly, but rather that they sense the growing anticipation and enthusiasm in us. And through the traditions that make holidays so festive and fun, we find ways to teach gratitude.
During Christmas, we teach them to be thankful Jesus was born and for the presents under the tree. And out of that gratitude, they learn to give to others generously. Easter is the same way. Amid the fun of Easter egg hunts, we teach them to rejoice that Jesus rose from the dead and to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ. Out of that gratitude, they learn to share his love with the world.
As kids grow up, we hope they continue the traditions we've taught them. We want those traditions to serve the deeper purpose of pointing them toward finding their joy in God. But as grown-ups, we know life isn’t always sunny skies. Our kids aren't always going to get what they want. They are going to walk through feelings of deep loss, confusion, sadness, anger, frustration. We all want to raise kids who know how to navigate the difficulties this life will inevitably bring—whose faith won't be broken by troubled times, but strengthened. How do we teach that? Well, what if I told you a holiday season exists with this focus? It's called Lent, and it's a six-week invitation to practice turning to God in difficult circumstances.
Lent and I have had a complicated relationship. But what used to be a childhood competition of white-knuckling my way through six weeks without sweet tea has turned into a significant aspect of my relationship with Jesus. It all began with loss. Several years in a row, I had friends and family members who passed away around Christmastime. Each year, the festive and cheerful holiday season seemed so at odds with the pain I was feeling. When the season of Lent came, it brought relief. There was room for me to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and also to sit with my sadness. I could hold joy in one hand and grief in the other. And I felt such validation. Contemplating how Jesus sat with suffering and hard emotions helped me realize it's okay for me to do the same. And not only is it okay, but God is in it with me. The coming hope of Easter seems sweeter and more precious after the darkness of Lent.
“Lent gives us a safe place to practice turning to God in seasons of struggle.”
As I've readopted the practice of a Lenten fast, which means intentionally abstaining from foods or behaviors during the weeks of Lent, it's taken on different forms. I want the increased awareness of God's presence, but I don't want to fall back into the legalism that defined my younger years. So each February, I ask God to open my eyes to the things in my life that are drawing me closer to him, as well as the things that are getting in the way. It's similar to the way many folks reflect and reevaluate as they approach a new year, but with a singular spiritual focus. It's not only a great practice for adults, but for kids too! And every year, God answers my prayer. The things he shows me turns into a six-week challenge to help me draw closer to him.
Looking back, I've found the times when I've needed God the most—whether through the challenge of fasting or in seasons of sadness—were actually the richest times of spiritual growth in my life. It didn't always feel that way. Sometimes when we experience pain, maybe through the job we didn't get, the hard breakup, or the loss of a friendship, it's tempting to use that experience as proof of God's apathy toward us. But the opposite is true! Wouldn't it be great to know how to connect with God in those times? Lent gives us a safe place to practice turning to God in seasons of struggle. It invites us to consider that maybe a little discomfort is okay because comfort isn't our ultimate purpose. And by sitting with sadness, we can affirm for ourselves and our kids that the full range of our emotions is healthy. God is present with us in all of them!
Is my enthusiasm for Lent contagious yet? I hope so, because I'd love to invite you and your family to join me in practicing Lent this year. Whether it’s your first time observing the Lenten season, or you’re revisiting your roots, I’d encourage you to ask God to show you ways you can draw near to him during these six weeks. And as you do, bring your kids into the conversation. As you talk about challenges, struggles, and hard emotions, look for the ways God is near to you. That’s the beauty of Lent, and I think there's goodness waiting in it for all of us.
Darling Heldt is the Creative Director behind our Children’s Ministry. After attending Summit Church during her college years, Darling joined staff in 2010. She thinks all parents are heroes and is passionate about supporting them! Darling and her husband, E.B., have two lion head bunnies named Nana and Peter, and recently welcomed a new puppy, Lucy-Marie. When Darling isn’t hard at work behind the scenes in Base Camp, you can find her and E.B. out for a long bike ride. Reach out to her at dheldt@summitconnect.org.