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Lent

Every year I hear friends of mine tell of their sacrifice for Lent.  They give up cigarettes, pizza, Big Macs, candy.  Usually things that are generally bad for them anyway and nothing that could really be called a sacrifice.  It's usually something they've wanted to give up anyway and choose to do it during Lent, because it sounds like a good idea. Very rarely do I hear them speak about the prayer aspect or the alms-giving. I guess this would make it a little more inconvenient.  I also find it amazing how people think the abstaining is to take place from Ash Wednesday until Easter.  It is from Ash Wednesday to Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and doesn't include any of the Sundays in between.  These are days, you are allowed to have whatever you want, in celebration of Jesus' ability not to give in to temptation and sin, while in the forest.

As someone who is not religious, I believe people can choose to observe any way they want, but I do find it comical at times, the way people claim they are sacrificing.  Skipping a Reese's peanut butter cup for a month and a half is hardly comparable to fending off Satan.  Staying off Facebook for a couple of weeks is something we all should probably do, myself included. My point is, if you want to observe halfheartedly, that is your business, but don't preach.  If you truly fast from sun up to sun down or don't eat meat during this time, that is completely admirable.  If you decide not to give anything up and donate time or money for the betterment of others, that's grand.  I think it's actually a more noble way to recognize one's faith.  It's not for me to say though.

I have toyed with the fact of giving something up as a test.  Not as a religious test, but one of devotion to one's self.  To better understand what things were like back when people truly observed holidays and traditions as they were meant.  I had thought of fasting, but there are physical ramification.  I had thought of serious alms givings, but I am broke.  I don't pray, so that is out.  So what could I give up, for forty days that would be a test.  There are some things I can think of that would be easy, but I don't consider that a sacrifice.  So here is what I've decided to do.  Every day, other than Sundays, I am going to reach out someone.  It may be different people or the same people every day.  I am going to try and catch up with some people I miss.  I may check in on those I have fallen behind on.  I will try and help someone who might be in need.   Every day, I'm going to try and do one thing, now matter how small that makes another life better without any reciprocation expected.  Seems like a little more meaningful challenge than giving up a vice.

Comments

  1. AmyFebruary 19, 2015 at 3:58 AM

    I remember reading this three years ago and thinking, "spot on!" As usual, lots of people I know are giving up Facebook for Lent. But yes, it's something they've been wanting / needing to cut back on anyway. It's as if Lent is the reason to jump on the anti- Facebook bandwagon and show how strong you are. (I know I'm not articulating this well.)

    I read an article a few years ago that suggested things to *not* give up for Lent. Things to offer instead of sacrifice... such as weekly volunteering to help those in need, etc. Something that not only betters you, but betters those around you.

    You'll never know what I'm giving up or adding to my life for Lent. Telling you, and 300 of my other closest friends, isn't the point of Lenten sacrifices or offerings. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for re-sharing this post - it's still spot on!

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