What is the purpose of Lent? I have to admit I’ve struggled with it a little bit each year, praying mountains will move and maybe an epiphany of sorts when it comes to my journey with Jesus. Many times, I think of this time of preparation to being focused on my individual sacrifices that I’ve committed to during these 40 days, hoping that will be what makes my Lenten experience fuller. Do you have the same struggle during Lent, as you’re walking with Jesus during His steps to the Cross? In my preparation time this year, with reading the book “Under the Oliver Tree”, I truly want to focus not so much on what I’m giving up (which I feel is still important) but taking this time to understand what those steps Jesus took meant for me. When I was little, I didn’t really grasp what Lent was all about. For me, it was just a preparation time for Easter Day, which meant shopping with my mother for a new easter dress and possibly new shoes. It was the anticipation of what surprises were coming for me in my Easter basket that year. One year I even received a live, colored baby Easter chick. I mean, how cool was that! But that’s what you and I, as children, focused on. As we’ve all matured on our journey of faith, we gradually discover that the Easter reward involves so much more. Lent is our time to quietly focus our minds and hearts, taking the time to sit “under the olive tree” in Jesus’ favorite place to rest and pray. I don’t think Jesus would want to discuss what food or drink we gave up for Lent or what was in our Easter basket. Maybe our time with Him wouldn’t even involve speaking. If I was sitting with Him in the Garden, I would like to physically watch Him praying. I would like to witness the tears of agony He was shedding, knowing what steps were to follow. And I would be humbled to feel the warmth of His presence as I sat next to Him, under the Olive tree, quietly praying by His side. Are you feeling Jesus’ presence right now? Let’s not lose that closeness during this important time of preparation. Jesus did so much more for you and me!
“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and He said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’” Matthew 26:36
From God's Lips 
I had a bad night. My cpap woke me up because I apparently stopped breathing too long and it really rattled me. So when my Sunday-go-to-church alarm went off (and the clock had sprung forward), I lay there thinking of excuses to roll over, sleep longer and stream the service. But my mind went immediately to the thought of Jesus and His walk toward the Cross. He did that for me! And I couldn’t muster the energy to go to church? Needless to say, I might not have looked my best, but I got to the service on time. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
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