It’s that time of year when the church calendar gently nudges us to slow down, take stock, and recalibrate. Some people embrace this season by giving up something (chocolate, social media—I’m looking at you, you little dickens), or by hitting pause on the distractions that have taken over—like constantly checking your phone or overcommitting to every event because FOMO. Others lean into practices that help center them—taking a morning walk, journaling, praying, or simply focusing on intentional acts of kindness. Whether or not you observe Lent in the traditional sense, this season offers a chance to ask yourself the big questions: What’s keeping me from a deeper connection—with God, with others, or even with myself?
Even if you don’t follow a particular faith practice, you may recognize how life can feel busy, overwhelming, and full of distractions. Lent serves as a reminder to slow down and ask: What deserves my attention? What small change can I make to create more space for the things that truly matter?
So, what exactly is Lent, and why do so many people observe it? Let’s dive into a little history to unpack the meaning behind this time of year—and what it might offer, regardless of your faith or background. The word "Lent" comes from the Old English word lencten, which means "spring" (a time of growth and renewal). The practice of Lent was formally established in the early centuries of Christianity, but it was really solidified in the 4th century as a time for the church to set aside time for spiritual discipline and reflection—asking its members to fast, pray, and focus on repentance as they moved closer to the celebration of Easter.
But here’s the thing—Lent isn’t just about looking backward. It’s about our lives right now—where we are, who we are, and what needs a little bit of tending. It’s an invitation to slow down and notice what’s been slipping through the cracks.
When we take on the practices of Lent—whether it’s fasting from something, adding a practice like prayer or a morning walk, or simply being a little more intentional with our choices—it’s not about being perfect. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about making room. Room to breathe, to take stock, to pause and pay attention to the parts of our lives that have been stretched thin. Room to sit with the parts of ourselves we don’t always want to face. Room for renewal. And when we allow ourselves that space, we might find the courage to ask the real questions: Where have we been? And where do we want to go?
The hope is that, by the end of this season, we’ll feel just a little more connected—not only to ourselves but to the people and things that matter most.
So, Lent: it’s not about the food you give up or the habits you stop. It’s about the transformation that happens in the space you create—space that allows you to live more fully, more meaningfully. What would it look like for you to strip away just a little of the noise? To say no to a few things that don’t matter, so you can say yes to the things that do?
I know—it’s hard. The world is busy, messy, and loud. But maybe that’s why this season of Lent matters so much. It’s an invitation to pause, breathe, and—perhaps—find renewal in the spaces we’ve been avoiding.
Let Lent be a season of stripping away distractions and making room for what truly matters. Whether it’s your first Lent or your fiftieth, the invitation is the same: make space to reflect, tend to the garden of your own heart, and be made new again.
