Our own twist on Lent
I really like the idea of Lent, and think it’s too bad that the Catholics have the corner on that market. The idea of spending a good deal of time in preparation for Easter is fantastic. We spend so much time getting ready for Christmas, which is nice, but without Easter to celebrate the resurrection, Christmas would have just been the birth of any other old baby. I never knew much about Lent until I taught with a bunch of women who were practicing Catholics. Even the not-really-practicing Catholics I worked with observed Lent and gave something up. Usually it seemed like it was a food (chocolate, soda, Starbucks) or a vice (cussing seemed popular). I like the idea of incorporating a new or forgotten habit that will bring you closer to the Savior in preparation for remembering and honoring His sacrifice and resurrection.
Nathan and I have talked in the past about doing a family twist on Lent, but never got around to actually doing it. This year, I have chosen something to work on and make a daily habit during Lent, and I think Nathan will probably join me.
Is thinking about or observing Lent something you do or have ever thought about doing?
I’m pretty sure I observe Lent every single day when I wake up and say THIS will be the day I avoid all junk food.
For me, I really like this book for making memorable Easter traditions: http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4253892
It’s called A Christ Centered Easter, day by day activities to celebrate Easter week. by Janet and Joe Hales.
What have you chosen? I think I will make the decision to stop complaining. After doing this for 40 days maybe it will become a good habit.
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i am not catholic but have observed lent for many years. this year i gave up meat. it will be hard.
because i love sausage…
I am not catholic either, but may go to Ash Wednesday service at the Mission down the road. I want to give something up for Lent, even if making dinner runs to long and I miss it.
I am giving up beer. The extra calories are too much.
I really like the *idea* of giving something up for Lent and the meaning behind it, but too often I feel like people treat what they give up for Lent like a second-chance at their New Year’s resolution. If you’re going to give-up something, make it meaningful and worthwhile, something that would greatly impact your life where it really is a sacrafice. But I’m not Catholic, just another “heathen” trying to survive life in the middle of the Bible Belt…