We're well into the Lenten season, which is an ancient tradition of the Church, but a first for us. At least in my 21 years here, this is the first time we have intentionally observed Lent.

I have been a little surprised at the number of folks among us who have already been observing this season privately each year. We all come from such diverse backgrounds that's it's always a challenge to figure out who will respond to what. Whether we like it or not, where we come from always has some influence on where we are and where we want to go.

The word "Lent" actually means "lengthen" and is meant to signify the lengthening of the days coming into spring and the new life that it brings. However, new life never comes without pain and sacrifice.

Lent is the 40 days between Ash Wednesday (February 21 this year) and Easter Saturday. For math aficionados, that's more than 40 days, but Lent doesn't include Sundays, because they're considered days of feasting and celebration of the resurrection.

Lent is about repentance, confession, introspection, and observance of the price Jesus paid on the cross for you and me. The intention of the season is that reflection would remind us that it was from dust that God created us and to the dust we will return.

How Christians observe Lent has varied over the centuries. Traditionally, one would fast from food on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday until at least 3:00 pm. Then, many would fast from meat on all Fridays of Lent. The idea of eating only fish on Fridays came from the definition of "meat" not including fish.

By no means is this an exhaustive study of Lent, but all the above is to say that one of the most popular, and most powerful, aspects of this season is the intentional giving up of something that would mean alot to us.

If you listen close, you can hear the question circulating around NewHeart ... "What are you giving up for Lent?" I wouldn't answer the question for the first week or so. Why? Honestly, because I was crabby about it!

Meredith Jones shared with us on February 18 her testimony of how powerful Lent is to her and why she has observed it for many years. A funny thing occurred during her testimony when she listed some of the things people could consider giving up for Lent.

Her list included the ever-populate chocolate, TV, food, radio, sweets....and then she said, "Starbucks". She said it with no drama or intent involved, but did happen to glance at me when she spoke it. I knew the Lord was speaking to me.

Starbucks it is, so I thought. On Ash Wednesday, I was at home with my wife enjoying a homemade cup of coffee with my favorite creamer. We were talking about nothing in particular...just enjoying one another's company.

I remember thinking, "this sure is a good cup of coffee" when it began to sink in. The Lord didn't just want me not enjoy Starbucks. He wanted no coffee for this season.

Now, please hear me. I felt no guilt or condemnation. Just a subtle nudge from the Holy Spirit in my heart. I sensed I wasn't to make it a big deal, but just to surrender it. So I did.

It hasn't been easy. I am sure yours hasn't been either. But what's coffee in comparison to what Jesus did for me? Nothing really. I can do this. If I seem a bit BENT for LENT, forgive me!

Looking more and more forward to Easter Sunday with you!