??What my 9-year-old gave up for Lent

Last year, my 9-year-old fasted during Lent and I didn't even notice until over halfway through.

One Sunday, we were at the mall together (why? I don't remember) and he said, "I can buy a stuffie today because it's Sunday". I was flummoxed...until I realized what he had done.

Instead of fasting from food or video games or something more obvious, he felt convicted that he was obsessed with buying stuffed animals, so that's what he fasted from.

God had taken some words I'd sown into his heart, words about choosing to fast from something that has taken God's place in our hearts, and grown fruit from it.

Isn't that just what God does? You think you're getting nowhere, that their heads are filled with obsessions over the latest computer games or clothes or toys, and suddenly you realize He's done something in them that was completely under your radar.

I didn't grow up observing Lent or even knowing about it, but over the years I've learned to lean into this fasting season with a sense of anticipation.

It's not about giving up sugar so I can be skinnier or coffee because that's "the thing to do", but about asking God what's taken His place in my life and giving that up so I can draw closer to God.

This year? I'm giving my mornings back to God. They've been overtaken by sloth and distraction, and I want to fast from those so I can see God more clearly.

Have you considered what you might give up so you can draw closer to God? If you're willing, hit REPLY and let me know!

And if you're interested in learning more about observing Lent with kids, check out my list of 40 Lent activities for families.

?? Growing with you,

Christie

PS Last chance to grab the 40 Days of Jesus before Lent starts!

I have a full pack of resources all about Lent (and on SALE!), available here.

There's also a very pared-down version of the 40 Days with Jesus available for free HERE.

Other Lenten stuff...