Lent, what did you give up?
It's always interesting how non Catholics always to seem to have an interest in what us Catholics are giving up. On Ash Wednesday I had three or four people ask me that question. One part of me thinks that's a personal choice but the other part of me thinks that if I tell then there are that many more people keeping me in line. It's hard to give something up for 40 days especially when you really enjoy it. For example, my sister in law gave up eating meat, not just on Fridays but every day of the week for 40 days.... and no, she's not a vegetarian... not even close. My wife on the other hand gave up a handful of things in case one failed she would have backups. He choices were soda and ice cream, two of her biggest vices. (I might want to move into the garage for the remainder of Lent). For me, it was fast food... I crave it. I don't always eat it, only on days when I forget my lunch and I have to eat. Other times, I simply think of fast food fries or a burger and that's all it takes to make me want to hit the nearest drive through. Will I make it, I hope so. Will I eat a burger on Easter... most likely.
Why do we give up something for Lent? You know by tradition that your supposed to but ever wonder why? One search tells us that it is a return to simplicity and purity and another search expands on it to say that we are to identify with the sufferings of Christ.
I've always though Lent was about giving something up, but I have read that it is also about adding something to our lives. I know there are many MANY things I can add to my own life to make it better and it's all free. Two things that come to mind are for me to read at least a passage a day from the bible. All I have to do is open it and read, read a line or even a paragraph. Another is to strengthen the bond with my wife. Now is a perfect time to devote 40 days to "The Love Dare".
What are you giving up? Feel free to respond!
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