Remove the Distractions

 

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents. We’re reminded often to put down our phones and anything else that may distract us, and keep our eyes fixed on the road ahead.

In a similar way, Lent is a time when we remove whatever distracts us from God. Not just Ash Wednesday, but every day gives us a wonderful, new opportunity to fix our eyes on Him, draw closer to Him, and learn how we can become more like Him.

The three practices of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Through prayer, we open our hearts to God, deepen our relationship with Him, and let Him shower us with more of His love. The discipline of fasting rids us of our self-centeredness and strengthens us against temptation – distractions -- so we can become the people God loving created us to be. Through almsgiving, we soften our hearts and share what we have, both materially and spiritually, with our brothers and sisters.

 “Let us throw off everything that weighs us down and the sins that so easily distract us.” –Hebrews 12:1

What do we mean by distractions? Your phone and computer might be good examples. These devices can be used for much good; they can also pull us away from God and His loving will for us, and from others. This would be true if you find yourself using your electronics to ‘kill time,’ to access anything evil, or to avoid interacting with your family. Lent is a good time to examine if we need to change how, when, where, and how much we use them.

Each day of Lent is a good time to pay attention to how we spend our time and how we spend our money. We make more time for prayer, and we look for ways to share what we have with others. We make an effort to change our attitudes, habits, or any other practices we’ve adopted that get in the way of our relationship with Him or with the people around us.

God wants us to come close to Him. This is something to celebrate! He wants us to get rid of these distractions. When we do so, we’re set free from the stranglehold they have on us, and our hearts feel light.

This Ash Wednesday, and every day of Lent, let’s press on with a clear and single-minded purpose to follow God more closely so as to become more like Him.

“Lord, show me how to draw closer to You.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!