By Chad Hershberger

Today is Ash Wednesday. It’s the beginning of another Lenten journey. It’s a day that suggests our human mortality and frailty. It’s a day when we start to look again toward the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

What does Lent mean to you?

Lent is a time for repentance, and it has been tradition in many church circles to symbolize repentance by giving up something for the Lenten season. It’s common for people to give up chocolate, alcohol, or some other food or drink item. Others abstain from social media. Others might choose to abstain from gossip, jealousy, or judgment.

You may like the idea of adding something during Lent—doing more in service to others as Jesus commands. Giving our best to God through our time, our talents, and our treasure seems like a good way to observe this season. “Paying it forward” might remind you of the love we get from God through Jesus.

Maybe these next six weeks will be a time of making better choices for you or engaging in more regular faith practices. One Lenten season, I prayed the Lord’s Prayer every day before bed. I started my prayers to God with this familiar prayer and then added my own petitions. It was very meaningful.

As we go into this year’s Lenten journey, look toward the cross and trust God. Know that God is with you.

Check out these ideas for your Lenten Journey from an ELCA congregation in Colorado http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2012/02/house-for-all-sinners-and-saints-40-ideas-for-keeping-a-holy-lent/