Sacrifice or Surrender... revisiting a post that changed me.

This week marks the beginning of Lent which is traditionally the 40 days before Easter. In the modern version of Lent, the 40 days begin tomorrow with Ash Wednesday and culminate on Easter Sunday. I grew up in a protestant denomination that celebrated Lent. I knew what people meant when they asked what you were giving up for Lent. The answers would range from soft drinks to chocolate to eating out. As I begin to teach my girls about Lent and sacrifice, we started giving things up as a family. One year we gave up television. One year we gave up eating out. As the girls got older and began to make their own decisions and learn for themselves, we enjoyed hearing what they would give up. One year a daughter gave up all sweets. One year another daughter gave up her hair straightener. These things were a sacrifice in their little world.

Sacrifice is good to understand. It is a sign of healthy penance and a willingness to let go of worldly things that distract us from our relationship with the Lord. But in the last few years, I have really struggled with the word sacrifice. In my mind I picture sacrifice as a giving up with a price attached. It feels more like my hand being pried open rather than just simply letting go. Giving up something that I am going to take right back after the 40 days.

But I really like the word surrender. I picture that word as a raising of the hands. Not just giving up but giving in. Giving in to the Gift of the ultimate sacrifice. The gift of eternal life given by Jesus' sacrifice. We cannot give up more than was given for us. But we can surrender all so that we can receive all that was meant for us. We can surrender the fears, the guilt, the pain and the hurt. We can surrender the  chains that bind us to the person or the place or the circumstances. When we raise our hands in surrender everything is let go. Not just the things we choose to sacrifice.

Lent is a time of preparation and of reflection. It is a time to remember what was sacrificed for us. As I pray and ask God what He wants me to know about that ultimate sacrifice, I am preparing to surrender some more fears and hurts. Some of those are a sacrifice to give up. But the freedom that will come is worth it. I want to receive all that He has for me here in this life. To be Kingdom oriented not just heaven focused. Somehow the word sacrifice puts the focus on me. Surrender puts the focus on Him.

Either way, Lent is beginning. A preparation process is starting. We can choose to remember and repent and reflect. Surrender yourself to His presence. Rest in His promises. Listen for His voice. Receive the freedom that His sacrifice gives you. Prepare for the celebration of New Life.

All to Jesus I surrender; All to Him I freely give; 

I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.

 I surrender all. I surrender all. 

All to Him, my blessed Savior, 

I surrender all.