I think I'd say the same thing. Observing Lent doesn't justify. And it's not that we don't fast or reflect during the rest of the year and then suddenly do it during Lent. The Valentine's Day analogy makes a lot of sense. Thanks for your insight!
Thanks for your feedback! I'm glad you found my answer helpful. My goal in answering the question was to avoid the simple (Anti-Gospel) rhetoric that has been occurring regarding Lent and actually dealing with the more foundational issue that is often overlooked. The issue of motivation. There are many things in the Christian life that are neutral. Much of what we do really does come down to the motivation or heart's intent behind why we are doing it. That is the crux of Biblical Counseling, to help a person come to see what heart motivations are causing the issues in their life and helping them to repent where necessary and re-orient their hearts. When it comes to Lent, I think it's possible but extremely difficult to have a motivation in practicing it that is sound. It is very much possible but unlikely. I think when we ask questions that deal with the motivations of our heart we can generally find areas where we are given over to "Religious Traditionalism" that separates our lives into secular and sacred practices. The Christian life however is all sacred. When this is understood, Lent becomes just a series of days that are lived faithfully rather than a season of "extra-spiritual days of fasting". Hope that makes sense and is helpful. Grace & Peace!