Lent isn’t something I grew up with; it wasn’t a cherished tradition or a familiar routine. It’s something I’ve had to learn to lean into, something I’m still learning from.

Lent is sacred space. It’s more than a countdown to Easter. It’s a readying, a preparing, a paring down, a thinning.

It’s not about adding more to our lives or to our endless to-do lists. It is a refocusing, a re-centering – a prioritizing of Jesus and his road to Calvary.

Here are a few of my favorite resources for the journey:

• 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole; I have read this book the past 5+ years for Lent. I love that it’s a different kind of fast, something unique every day; always thoughtful and often challenging, but so insightful.
• Bitter & Sweet by Tsh Oxenreider, a new release! We love Shadow & Light, our inspirational Advent companion. Looking forward to our time with this guide!
• Good Enough by Kate Bowler, another new release that was unfortunately delayed by Christianbook! So I have yet to look through it, but I am excited for Kate’s perspective!

For those who think you missed out on Lent because you missed Ash Wednesday… I believe there’s grace. Begin tomorrow, or next week. Just get started when and how you can. There’s no guilt, shame, or condemnation here. Just invitation, patience, and open arms.