When growing up, my siblings and I were often “encouraged,” or forced, to give something up for Lent. I hated it. Why would I give up sour patch kids, or buying new baseball cards, or hunting squirrels just because…? I think that was the problem, I didn’t know WHY I was giving anything up. I knew it had something to do with Jesus and Easter bunnies, but it just seemed like some silly exercise I was forced into. The things I was asked to give up seemed tokenistic- and this mentality stayed with me until, well… now.
But this year I decided to spend a little thought-time with the idea of Lent and Ash Wednesday. The idea of repentance and sacrifice now seem appealing at this stage in my life. I’ve been thinking a lot lately that there has been a lot of ME in my faith right now and its become clear that I could really use some sacrifice in my life. Frankly, I’ve become enough about myself that I need something to divert my attention and my desires toward the Living Christ and his role in my life.
So, I’m in. I’m going to play the “Lent Game” this year. I don’t know what I’m going to give up- but it will be something that is truly a sacrifice. I’ve got a week to think about it… but your thoughts/ideas are welcome.
Anyone want to join me?
January 30, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Well, there are the obvious edibles. Though the significance of such sacrifice is slightly diminished being as every child from Alaska to New Zealand tries at least once in their life time. I’ve tried giving up the internet – I don’t recommend it. But if you want to do something more selfless why not decide to take something up instead of giving up? How about, once a week for lent going and helping at a soup kitchen. Just for lent, and If at the end you feel you’re in a position to carry on then by all means do.
Lent is of course a time to consider Jesus’s sacrifice, but we shouldn’t do that at the expense of forgetting the help and salvation he gave too. If you’re in a better position to help than sacrifice then by all means do it!
You know, I haven’t given up anything for some years. When you decide I’d love to know, I may even join you if it’s applicable to me too!
January 30, 2008 at 6:45 pm
You should give up living in Spoklahoma and come home to Bellingham where you belong…seriously. or guitar hero. or pearl jam. or your dog. God wants you to give up everything you love. that’s his way. it’s the only way to win his favor. seriously, I’m serious.
Maybe if you are proactive in your lent you could send your homebrew to Monkey and I. that’d be cool.
January 31, 2008 at 8:00 am
I agree with Ron. Send the beer. Send it now. Do it.
Do it.
January 31, 2008 at 8:28 am
Deja Su- I do like the idea of taking something up for Lend, and I’ve done that before. But, like I said, I feel the discipline of sacrifice is something that I need right now. Obviously, that sounds selfish- but I’ve become plenty self-serving in selfish ways that I can (hopefully) afford to be self-serving in a selfless way.
Ron and Pseudo -The beer isn’t ready yet. I will probably bottle it over the weekend, but then it needs to sit and condition (carbonate) for a week or two. BUT- I’d be willing to send some up your way. But Ron has to write a song for me- on a casio keyboard. If you want me to send some of the Mac & Jack’s clone, I’ll really need to be convinced. I’m holding onto that stuff like it’s liquid gold. Because it is.
February 5, 2008 at 3:10 pm
[...] have been thinking quite a bit about Lent and have decided that I am going to participate in the time honored, Good Christian tradition of [...]