The church my family belonged to when I was growing up was the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, Illinois. This church had its roots in the Social Gospel movement of the early 20th Century which applied Christian ethics to issues of social justice. Our church focused on solving the social problems of the day, not how Jesus had died for our sins or how we were going to get to heaven. Traditional Christian observances such as Lent were hardly ever mentioned. I knew my Catholic friends would give up eating chocolate and hitting their little brothers during Lent. My takeaway wasn’t curiosity about Lent. It was being glad I wasn’t Catholic. Many, many years later, I began to pay more attention and embrace Lent. My new-found interest grew out of observing my Muslim friends during the Holy month of Ramadan as they focused on the spiritual dimensions of their lives by fasting, praying, giving generously to others and celebrating their faith within their communities. It seemed to me that the Christian season of Lent offered similar opportunities for me to focus on the spiritual dimensions of my life.

I’ve learned that Lent is a time for spiritual growth, reflection and embracing community. Now I mark the 40 days (not including Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter with the spiritual discipline of writing one gratitude note every day. I certainly want the people who receive the notes I write to know how grateful I am for all they do for me and others but I am also aware that just the writing of the notes enriches my life. I know I am happier and more joy-filled for those 40 days and the happiness and joy spills over into my interactions with everyone I encounter.

Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you might consider adding a Lenten experience this year. Here is a resource I found that offers some ideas.  Lent 2025 can be a meaningful time for all of us.