tradition

Main Entry: tra·di·tion

Pronunciation: \trə-ˈdi-shən\

Function: noun Etymology: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition

Date: 14th century

1 a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable
2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

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Lent was not a tradition I was raised with. I knew what Ash Wednesday was and what Easter was, but we didn’t place a great emphasis on the season in between the two holidays. It wasn’t until I was a student at SNU that I was around people that actively participated in the season.

I don’t want to be a part of the tradition just for the sake of being a part of it. I want to be purposeful in my attempt to draw closer to my Heavenly Father this year. In my prayers today, I prayed that I would constantly be reflecting God’s light to each person I encounter. Lent is a beautiful tradition we can all participate in, but I don’t want us to celebrate lent just because it’s trendy. I want to celebrate it because of a deep desire to grow spiritually.

What is your purpose for celebrating this season?