Like most Christians when asked to consider the meaning of Lent, I would probably give the ‘traditional’ response of “repentance, prayer, and fasting”, but in practice what do I actually do?

I’ll be honest I don’t normally “give up” a favourite thing.

I’ve done this in the past, but the act of denying myself something, started to become the focus of my thoughts and actions, and in reality I just carried on unreflectively with my day-to-day life.

So now, during Lent I try to ‘take stock’ and to think seriously about things. Lent gives me the opportunity to reflect prayerfully why I do what I do.

Is this good for me? Is it respectful of others? Is this how God would have me be? Lent enables me to turn towards God, and to contemplate my life, both where I’ve been and where I’m heading; and most importantly to take the time out to listen to what God is saying to me.

Finally, Lent also reminds me that Easter is just around the corner,  providing assurance of God’s love - without condition and without exception.

By Julie Claux, fund-raiser at Blackburn Cathedral