As Lent begins it is easy to get caught up in choosing something to give up. Instead of refraining from a vice we may be tempted to give into at some point in our 40-day Lenten journey, consider that the Lord is inviting us into silence. Only in the silence can a space be created this Holy season to hear the Lord as he seeks out your heart, your mind, your soul and everything in you that He has created good.

Only from being like Samuel who placed himself before the Lord under Eli’s service can we respond to His invitation with open hearts and say “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). 

When we respond this way we can see more clearly where the Lord is asking of us to give of our time, talent and treasure like the great Magi from the East gave frankincense, myrrh and gold after following the star to Christ. When we respond this way we are increasing our trust in who God is and whose we are.