It's the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, and as a Catholic, we are called upon to take these 40 days as a time of reflection, a time of sacrifice. Many Catholics give up something. As a child I used to give up candy, soda...and of course, on Easter, I would then consume large quantities of the same as soon as I could. As a kid, my Dad always used to joke that he was going to give up hard drugs or smoking or homosexual affairs for Lent (Joking, of course). In 4th grade, I made the mistake of telling my Sunday School teacher that I was giving up drinking and smoking. She did not find it all that funny, ironically. In hindsight, I think it's flipping hilarious.
T's giving up soda and chocolate milk for Lent. Me? I've chosen to not give up something but rather to "do" something for Lent. To work on the betterment of my relationship with T.
My friend, Jess, has spoken highly of "The Love Dare," a 40 day challenge based on Scripture and how to truly work on your relationship. It's not just for marriages in crises. Anyone could benefit from it in no matter what the stage of their relationship. Every day you read a chapter and reflect on the challenge you are given. I've been told that not all are easy, but I am up for it. And I'm curious to see what these next 40 days will bring.
What about you? Are you doing anything special for this Lenten season? If you don't celebrate it, what sacrifices would you make if challenged to do so?
Haha I love that you told your Sunday school teacher you were giving up smoking and drinking! I downloaded the love dare app but haven't opened it up since then. I still don't know what I'm doing. Maybe decide how i feel about religion, we have such a love hate relationship.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to, I think I'd devote more time to reading--for myself and with Turbo. It's good for both of us.
ReplyDeleteWe don't officially observe Lent, but I have decided for the next 40 days to give up having the TV on as background noise. If it's on it's on to watch, if I'm not watching it goes off. I need to cultivate the art of silence.
ReplyDeleteI like that you are not "giving up" something but instead rather adding something meaningful. Too often we think of Lent as a time to give up, when it is really a time for growth and that means we can add something.
I love that you told your teacher you were giving up smoking or drinking. That is hilarious!! I grew up in a predominantly Protestant area (aka Baptist) so it was uncommon for me to run into people who were Catholic or from one of the other "high church" groups. However, I did have a fifth grade teacher that tried to make us all participate in the Lenten season. It went over like a lead balloon in Baptist land. Ha!
I am excited to hear your progress on "The Love Dare". May His grace and peace light your way.
♥ Lily-thinking thoughts
It's been a long time since I've tried giving up for lent. I gave up Pepsi one year. I was a kid then. No way anyone would survive me giving it up now.
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