Lent for Me

The period of Lent has been celebrated since around 1000 A.D. It was considered a period for fasting and the church suggested that congregations eat, no meat, butter, eggs or milk. The idea here is not to make you suffer by taking away something you love. The idea here is that by giving up something you are not only exercising self discipline but you're telling God and Jesus that you are at least trying to identify with what our Saviour was going through, as he reflected in the wilderness, and had to come to terms with the horrible journey that was about to begin.

So if Jesus is your friend, as a friend you'll want to show some empathy and Lent gives you the opportunity to do this by giving up something. And if you don't want to give up anything this year don't worry. ( I didn't give up anything last year) At least think about it.

I humbly suggest that you just DO something. Go to a church service, go to Ash Wednesday, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Do anything that breaks your routine and is not about you.

What to give up? Well, think of the regular New Year's Eve Resolutions, no smoking, no drinking, no cookies or cake. I am going to give up all alcohol. This year I want to give up something that has a little sting. If I give up ice cream for example, it'll be a no brainer. I don't eat ice cream so it's like I'll be celebrating a faux Lent.

As write that I say wow, forty days? Giving up those Bloody Mary's for brunch? Can I really do this? Well, this year I'm going to try and I'm sure I'll be better for it. How about this. No beer,( I love beer so this will be hard). Only one Bloody Mary at brunch and a glass or two of wine but only at "special dinners". Ok, I'm on. I'll keep you posted.
I think I'll start there.