Great Lent

It is upon us as every year in preparation of the Bright Resurrection; Great Lent. It is earlier this year so it seems as if we barely finished with everthing else. It is so cold, too. What is in a name? Great Lent...it seems so daunting to some, because great means big, but I think that Lent truly is great in the literal sense of the word as well. Most people think of the fasting from meat, dairy, etc. or for what we choose to give up as what Lent is and I wonder why. It is interesting to think about sometimes. As an Orthodox Christian, this is what it means to me: Abstinence; from rich foods, from my biggest faults (to the best of my ability)...Self-Denial; what I think I want vs. what God wants for me. Learning; to be still, to be a better Christian, to be a better mom and wife...The sweet celebration of the Bright Resurrection and knowing that the sweetness in the end is due to the struggle and the journey. Some people choose a different way of going about things but for me this is what Lent is right now, I never know what I will learn, sometimes not until much later than I think. This is the first year that after the Nativity of Christ I am left wanting more, wanting Lent. I am truly looking forward to this years journey and with God's help it will be fruitful. Please pray for me on this journey, "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitionsas the heathen do. For they think they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come. On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Thine is the knigdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matt.6:7-13. Quoting scripture is not something that I normally do, nor does it easily come, but what I wanted to say had already been said so I thought I would look it up. I don't remember where I read it but I think it said something to the effect of, prayer being something in your heart since that is where they come from. Sometimes I think that we do not always know when we are praying. Our souls are searching for the Truth and mine has found its home. For those of you who do, and do not, participate in the Lenten season, may it be fruitful and prosperous.
I think that about does it for my first posting. Talk to you soon, Xen Xen