Author Archives: Kris McGarvey

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About Kris McGarvey

It's not what I do that matters...it's who I am through the eyes of Jesus.

Why Fast for Lent?

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I like sweets. I don’t think I’m addicted to them but I really, really like them. I have a candy dish on my desk at work which contains a variety of hard candies. I find myself sucking on a butterscotch or cinnamon candy disk a couple of times a day…probably more from habit than need. I also like my friend Ellie’s desserts. Recently she made this awesome Snickers peanut butter brownie cake that was amazing…and I’m pretty sure I ate most of it. So for Lent I’m choosing to give up white sugar (and products) and candy.  I’m not Catholic and I don’t have any affiliation with a denomination which observes fasting as part of their Lenten practices. But I am fasting for the next 40 days. But one day into my fast, I’m feeling a little bit guilty. No – I didn’t cheat. No midnight candy binges. No intense cravings for chocolate. But how much of a sacrifice am I really making? And what is the point?

Fasting for Lent

Traditionally the purpose of Lent is a time of preparation.  Through prayer, penance, repentance, alms giving, atonement and self-denial, a believer prepares himself for the observance of Holy Week and the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

There is really nothing theologically that I disagree with in regards to preparing myself for the greatest day on any Christian’s calendar. Instead of the over-indulgence of the Christmas season, the pre-Easter season of Lent concentrates on self-denial, giving up for 40 days what I may feel is important or essential to my life.

I’ve never really spent much time pondering all the ramifications but this year I felt led to “give up” something. The more I think about this, the more silly I find it. I seriously believe that white sugar and candy are essential?

Honestly, I probably chose as I did because it was very doable and not very tough.  I could have chosen coffee but egads! That would have really hurt. I could have chosen meat (like my Catholic elementary school friends had to) but, you know, I really like meat. And though I enjoy fish and eggs, 40 days is a long time without a hamburger, or spaghetti, or chicken enchiladas.

I’m so thankful Jesus was willing to sacrifice the really tough stuff – HIS LIFE – for me. Makes my choices seem pretty silly in comparison. While I turn my nose up to cupcakes, fudge, cookies and Dove chocolates, Jesus turned himself over to crowds who jeer him, guards who beat him and soldiers/politicians who nail His hands and feet to a cross and kill him. Jesus chose death so that I could choose to fast candy. I’m pathetic.

So one day into my fast I’ve made a decision. I’m going to keep my commitment but I’m also going to spend more time with the other aspects of Lent – the prayer, alms giving, and repentance parts. It’s the very least I can do.

First Things First

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 As I begin the new year, I’m always compelled to set goals for the days, weeks and months ahead.  I don’t call them “New Year’s Resolutions” because I don’t hold myself to anything so rigid.  But I do like to reflect on the past year and all its activities and events and memories while gauging what the new year may bring.  Usually I determine that I spent too much time on things that don’t matter, and spent far less time on the important things of life.

Sometimes I think that as a modern Christian woman I should be able to do it all or be this great spiritual giant (and usually never accomplish anything).  But instead, God has asked that I give Him 100% of myself and He will give me all of Himself.   (Philippians 2:12-13)

This year I’m reaffirming my desire to put my relationship with the Lord first and foremost…and it’s not just to be more spiritual or appear more spiritual or to brag about how long my quiet time is.  I need God’s perspective in every area of my life.  This isn’t about checking off something on a list for today…”Put God first” – check!  God knows I need Him and the only way to get to know God is to spend time with Him.

I cannot make the mistake of substituting activity for God with a relationship with Him.  Reread the story of Mary and Martha – as an act of your will, you must choose the better thing.  Jesus didn’t say that cooking, cleaning, serving…were not good things, but all the activity in the world (or in the church) will never replace the peace and joy of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.

God has not called us to live our lives as though we were in a three-ring circus.  He has called us to rest in Him, get to know His heart, delve into the Word of God as a love letter from our Father, and to trust Him with every area of our lives.  We give Him 100% and He will give you more than you could ever ask or imagine.

I pray you’ll have an awesome year of getting to know the Lover of your Soul.  Take time each week to read the Word and learn about the One who gave Himself for you…and desires to meet with you each day!