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I chose the words of this intro very careful. We need to grow. Most people identify this season as a discipline in giving something up. It is a spiritual mandate to sacrifice something so we are without.

And while those things may be true, it is also a deep reminder, a daily reminder, of God and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Our sacrifice isn’t meant to emulate Jesus’ sacrifice, but rather a daily reminder of how desperate we need God in our lives. How our human habit has to be actively fought back against in order for us to turn our eyes to God. 

This fast during lent is a reminder to break us from the rituals and habits that we mindlessly partake in during our lives, and do without a second thought. When really our daily ritual should be wholehearted sacrifice to God and all that he has done. We don’t want to ritualistically praying just because that’s how we’re told to. But instead adopt the words that have been put on our hearts to commune with God. 

So instead of taking a look at this as a sacrifice, I see this as an ability to grow and commune with God and what he has blessed me with. 

My husband and I always try to do our lent discipline together so that I’m not downing a slice of chocolate cake when he gave up sweets and he’s not watching Fox News when I gave up TV. 

This year, we decided to do something that we’ve tried and failed at many times before. No technology in the bedroom. No phones, no iPads, no computers, no TV, no e-readers, and no other smart or dumb devices. 

Why? Why did we choose this for 2023?

A few reasons. First, we’ve been wanting and both working on doing what I preach about, being completely present. So instead of being sucked into my computer or my phone, I get to be snuggling with my puppies and laughing so hard my sides hurt. I don’t think at the end of my life I will remember that viral video that one time, but I’ll remember all the raspberries and tickle fights that we had where I laughed until I peed. 

Then second reason is two-fold. First, there are MANY studies that show that technology in the bedroom can, not only hinder your sex life, but it can also hurt marriages. Those who didn’t have technology in the bedroom had much higher marriage satisfaction than those who did. 

Secondly, there’s something sacred, in my opinion about the marital bed. We spend over half our lives sleeping or in our bedroom. We spend thousands of dollars on mattresses and bedding to make sure it is just right. So why do we treat it with such flippant neutrality? Our bedroom has the ability to be our sanctuary, married or not. 

Let me know what you’re growing in this Lenten season?