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We are already
about a third of the way through Lent. Today the sun is shining and
it feels nice and warm because the sun is getting higher in the sky.
Can Spring be far behind? Before we know it, Easter will be upon us.
My question today is, “Are you finding ways to grow closer to the Lord?” Have
you made an attempt to change something in your life that keeps you from a
full, close relationship with God? Have you been tempted to go back to your
old ways?
A story came to me via the internet attributed to Lee Griess (from: Taking
The Risk Out Of Dying, CSS Publishing Company) titled “Lead Us Not Into
Temptation”
I recently read a story about a little boy named Bobby who desperately wanted
a new bicycle. His plan was to save his nickels, dimes and quarters until he
finally had enough to buy a new 10-speed. Each night he asked God to help him
save his money. Kneeling beside his bed, he prayed, “Dear Lord, please
help me save my money for a new bike, and please, Lord, don’t let the ice
cream man come down the street again tomorrow.”
Jim Grant in Reader’s Digest told about someone else who faced temptation.
An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He
took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favorite
bakery. One morning, however, he showed up at work with a gigantic coffee cake.
Everyone in the office scolded him, but his smile remained nonetheless. “This
is a special coffee cake,” he explained. “Iaccidentally drove by
the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt
it was no accident, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want me to have one of those
delicious coffee cakes, let there be a parking spot open right in front.’ And
sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!” He ends by
saying: “All of us know what it is to enter the wilderness of
temptation. Temptation is part and parcel of the human condition.”
I can relate to that story. On “Fat Tuesday,” I was able to behave
myself until I needed to pick up some milk from the store. I just could not walk
past that egg and fat laden donut with gobs of gooey filling in it!! If I had
only stayed out of the store until Ash Wednesday then they would have been gone.
I yielded to temptation!! ALAS!!
Of course, I can always say that it was not Lent until the next day so it did
not interfere with my Lenten plans to watch what I eat. We always seem to have
excuses for the way we behave, especially when we know we should not give in
to the behavior. It also applies to what we put in our minds and not just what
we put in our stomachs.
I hope all of us are having success at drawing closer to God as we journey through
Lent so that as we enter the Easter Season we might find our celebration sweet
and rewarding. It is the highlight of the Christian year as we celebrate the
gospel of Jesus Christ – His birth, life, death, resurrection and coming
again. Through Christ’s death and resurrection we have life and that more
abundantly. May God be with us as we travel the Lenten road!
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