Lent: A Season of Sacrifice, Reflection, and Growth

Lent begins on March 5th and lasts until April 17th this year, marking a sacred time of reflection, fasting, and spiritual discipline. Every year, as the season approaches, I pause to consider how best to recognize this period—acknowledging Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, where He fasted and prayed before beginning His public ministry.

Much like New Year’s resolutions, I often start strong in my Lenten commitments, but as the days pass, I find myself losing focus. I have, with the best intentions, planned to immerse myself in devotional readings, such as Howard Thurman’s works and Bonhoeffer’s Lenten reflections, God Is on the Cross. Yet, I always seem to fall short—distracted by the demands of everyday life, pulled away from the depth of contemplation this season invites.

But 40 days—just 40 days out of the year—is such a small offering compared to the abundance of blessings I have received. So, as I approach Lent this year, I find myself contemplating what sacrifice will be meaningful, rather than convenient.

More Than Giving Up Sweets

There is always the temptation to give up sweets, a commitment I have made countless times before. But this year, it feels too easy, too repetitive—especially since I already committed to it at New Year’s and, so far, have kept that promise. Lent calls for something deeper, something that challenges me not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally.

So, what else could I surrender?

Perhaps a commitment to stop complaining, judging, or gossiping—all habits that, when brought to light, feel like burdens rather than comforts. Breaking these patterns would be an act of both spiritual discipline and social relief.

The Hardest Sacrifice: Letting Go of Anger

Then there’s anger—a difficult and deeply ingrained emotion to surrender.

Self-righteous anger is, at its core, self-indulgent, ego-driven, and spiritually corrosive. It divides people, reinforcing the “I’m right, and you are wrong” mindset, which is far from the humility and grace that faith teaches. Anger is seductive, feeding off unconsciousness and growing stronger in the echo chambers of resentment and injustice.

Could I really give up anger?

Letting go of anger in this day and age feels like a near-impossible task. It would mean releasing control, softening my heart, and surrendering to faith rather than outrage. It would mean recognizing that, ultimately, God is the only righteous judge. It would mean practicing grace when it is most difficult.

Yeah, maybe I should just give up sweets. That seems far easier than surrendering anger.

A Lent of Authenticity and Presence

Regardless of my choice, I know that Lent is not merely about sacrifice but also transformation. It is about intentional presence, examining how I fall short and seeking to grow in faith.

This year, rather than focusing on what I will “give up,” I want to focus on what I will embrace.

• More prayer, less worry.

• More grace, less judgment.

• More silence, less noise.

• More humility, less certainty.

Lent is a time to reset, strip away distractions, and prepare the heart for Easter’s promise of renewal. Whether I succeed in my sacrifice or stumble along the way, what matters most is the authentic pursuit of faith—imperfect, intentional, and always seeking.

So, what will you be giving up—or taking on—this Lent?