preparation

prep·a·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən\

Function: noun Etymology: Middle English preparacion, from Middle French preparation, from Latin praeparation-, praeparatio, from praeparare to prepare

Date: 14th century

1 : the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty
2 : a state of being prepared: readiness

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This is one of the first words I thought of when I was deciding on what I wanted to do for lent this year. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give something up, add something to my day, or both. Last year I gave up salting things. If you know me, you know this is a huge deal! I salt everything…. seriously, everything. I actually stuck to it the entire time and learned that not everything needs salt. Imagine that! It did cause me to think about the season though and what it means to give up something in order to reflect on something else, particularly Jesus’ death and resurrection.

So… preparation. What are we preparing for? Here’s what I think… (this is the most appropriate medium to share such thoughts since this is my blog after all… right?)

I am preparing my mind and heart to be receptive. I want this to be a time of self-reflection and examination. What are things I can change about my daily habits or thoughts that will bring me closer to God? What are some actions I can take to bring others to Him? By sacrificing some time each day over the next 40 days, I am preparing myself to be more aware of Christ’s sacrifice for me. I want to know that I have given it my all to bring myself to God’s throne. To just sit with Him for awhile… talking, laughing, enjoying His presence. To know that He loves me and to love Him the best I can in return. That’s why I personally have decided to create a new habit during this season of lent. I am preparing myself to be the best I can be through committing to something new that will cause me to think more of my relationship with Christ. For me, this means blogging every day about what God is showing me during this season. What does it mean for you?

One of the definitions above says that preparing is getting ready for a test, duty, or special occasion. Which do you think best describes this season of lent & why?

I Peter 1:13

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.”