It was astonishing to watch the forecast change from “possible snow” to “2-3 inches on the way.” As the time drew near, the whole family gathered by the window — watching and waiting.

There were a few false alarms; a small leaf and a stray dandelion had my kids rushing to the porch for closer examination. However, when the actual snowflakes began to fall it was unmistakable and incredibly exciting. Stepping outside, we could hear whoops and hollers from Floridian children all over the neighborhood experiencing snow for the very first time.

My friends and I couldn’t stop sharing photos and videos of our kids sledding and building snowmen. Watching videos online of people from Louisiana to South Carolina, we were all doing the same thing. Late into the night, as I walked around to take photos, I could hear adults FaceTiming with friends from their porches and yards exclaiming, “It’s SNOW! Snow in FLORIDA!”

It was news we could not get tired of sharing. What we had been waiting for, what we had hoped for and what we couldn’t even believe was possible — it was here!

When I think of Lent, I usually think of “penance.” What will I give up? How will I practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving? How can I spend this season growing closer to Christ? Of course these are important parts of observing the season. However, as I think about the enthusiasm with which we all shared our experiences of snow, I’m reflecting on how I can share the Good News of the Gospel in the seasons of Lent and Easter.

In the busyness of work, chores, kids appointments and remembering to pick up milk because the last drop was poured on cereal in the morning, the Good News of the resurrection of Christ can quickly become just another thing that happened. But we know Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection are the reason for our hope. It’s what gives meaning to life in times of rejoicing and suffering.

True, evangelization is not as easy as joyfully chatting nonstop about a major, rare weather event. However, I’ve learned over the years that when I am taking regular steps to keep my heart and mind centered on the Gospel — always easier said than done, but worth the pursuit! — talking about my relationship with God feels almost as normal as speculating about rain.

What does this look like in practice? First, pray for the opportunity to share the Good News. I know that it’s no coincidence that when I pray for a door to open to a conversation about faith, it isn’t long before someone turns to me and says, “Aren’t you religious? Why?” I’ve learned that people usually connect first with my experiences, and then we can move on to apologetics.

In college, I was challenged by my theology professors and ministry leaders to have at the ready a “three-minute witness” — that is, to share in three minutes or less what God had done for me and what it meant for my future. It didn’t have to be spectacular or dramatic, it just had to be genuine: How I knew that God loved me, had a plan for my life and desired that I be with him for eternity.

You’re probably still telling stories about that time it snowed in the south. So, during this season of Lent, consider first asking for inspiration and then taking advantage of opportunities to tell your story of who Christ is and why his life, death and resurrection matter. A good start is praying and thinking about the following questions: What was life like before your decision to have a relationship with God? What changed? What do you hope for the future?

We’ll never know what our personal witness can mean to those in our life who are searching for meaning. But, we know these questions will be asked. This Lent, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on and pray through our answers.