As we approach Easter, many of us participate in fasting or abstaining within the season of Lent – but have you ever pondered the idea that Lent could be less a season of removing, and more a season of making room for the things that matter?

The act of giving something up helps us to make a conscious effort to create more daily space for God. It’s less about removal, and more about replacement or redirection – removing something that gives us a worldly sense of comfort or enjoyment, with the intention of turning attention more fully to our eternal source of joy, and the approaching Good News of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Instead of our daily cup of coffee, we might look to improve our daily prayer habits. Instead of comfort foods, we might seek to reflect on and give thanks for the gifts and blessings that God richly pours into our lives, and which, in turn, make our lives easier and more comfortable.

Through the deliberate act of ‘removing to refocus’ we can do much to enrich our own spiritual lives, but how can our Lenten fasting serve to also enrich the spiritual life of others?

Recently, I did some Lenten math:
If I gave up my daily coffee for Lent, I would save $248.00.

And while I can take the time I would spend waiting in line at the coffee shop, or savouring that first mouthful of caffeine in the morning, and offer it to God through prayer and thanksgiving – there is a material benefit from my Lenten fasting, to myself and to my bank account, that I could use to share the blessings God has so generously provided into the lives of my friends, neighbours and – most importantly – people who do not yet have a relationship with God through Jesus.

After all, if not for Lent, I would have gladly spent the money anyway.

If the purpose of the season leading up to Easter is to refocus on the joys and blessings I receive through my faith in the coming resurrection, how much more should Lent also encourage me to be that blessing for those who don’t yet share in the same joy?

As we journey through Lent, and arrive joyously and miraculously at the rising of Jesus, I encourage you to reflect on the opportunity you also have to give, to bless those who haven’t yet heard the Good News, and to share the hope of Easter with others.