Lent

Let's chat about Lent.  I grew up not really knowing about Lent. . . at least the "giving up something" for Lent.  We didn't do ashes or giving up stuff at my church, but we did intentionally think about the approach of Easter--lest you think Graafschap didn't remember--we did!

I heard about giving up something for Lent in college.  I jokingly (oh the embarrassment now!) gave up sex and salad one year.  Thankfully God's mercy covers me.  One year I gave up meat; another year was ice cream.  I was getting closer.

As a grown-up, it has only been in the past five years or so that I've thought about giving something up.  Some years I do and others I don't.  It is something that is between me and the Lord.  I give something up if I'm pushed by the Holy Spirit to do so.  I get pushed to give up something that means something to me, but doesn't endanger my health or the well-being of my family.  I don't think God would ask me to do that.  Things like "heat" or "meals" or "vegetables" wouldn't fit the bill.  Past years included Facebook and sweets.

I was pushed this year.  My favorite food is off of my list.  That's right: Diet Mountain Dew!  In fact, I'm going to go without pop for 40 days.  When I find myself wanting pop, I'll be reminded that my Lord. . . my Christ went through so much for me.  Boy do I love Him. . . and I'll be thinking about Him a lot.  :)