When we lived in Louisiana, people would talk for weeks about what they were planning to give up for Lent. I would always pick a sacrifice that, for me at least, was difficult: no sugar, no diet Coke, no carbs, etc. I don’t think D has ever been more ready for Jesus to get on up out of that tomb than the year I gave up diet Coke – that was my most difficult Lent sacrifice yet, no question. Nothing makes me die to self faster than the absence of caffeine.
One year I heard an idea that instead of giving up something, we could take on something – a few more hours of volunteer work, finally reading that Max Lucado book sitting on the nightstand, visiting an elderly relative or friend on a regular basis. I thought the idea was a revelation, so I started my own little Lent tradition of going to a Christian book store on Ash Wednesday and looking for a new devotional book – something that would give me some new perspective during the 40 days leading up to Easter.
Here in Alabama, I find that people don’t talk about Lent as much…probably because there’s not as much of a Catholic influence in these parts (in restaurants in south Louisiana, there are actually different menus for Lent – no meat, only fish). I thought about that today when Sister emailed me and mentioned that she was heading to church at noon – and then when I picked Alex up from Mother’s Day Out this afternoon, his teacher had obviously been to church as well (the black marks on her forehead gave her away).
I realize that we’re a pretty diverse denominational group, but I’m just wondering: are any of you giving up something or taking on something for Lent this year? If so, what?
As for me, I’m reading C.S. Lewis’ The Problem of Pain. Just a little “light” reading, you know, so that my brain can finally implode from sheer effort.
Holla back in the comments.
So funny you should ask. We just got home for Wed. night church. I had actually forgotten that this was Ash Wednesday. We have always had a special service for the occasion, but tonight was a different service than what I’ve experienced in the past. This is probably due to the fact that we have a new minister – who I am crazy about, by the way. Anyway, we did the ashes, which I have never in my life done before. I didn’t know Methodists participated in this! It was a very meaningful service, and I’m so glad I was there. I learned something about the ashes that I did not know…they are actually the ashes of the palm branches from last Easter. Did you know that? Also, our minister said he was sort of “mixed” on the idea of giving up something for lent b/c oftentimes due to our human nature, we put the focus on ourselves rather than on Jesus. We often think of it as a way to put ourselves on the back and think how holy we are for being able to do that. He said it’s not that he discouraged it, he just didn’t encourage it for everyone. I like your idea of “adding” something. As long as our focus is on Jesus and not ourselves. Make sense?
Merritt – Terribly thoughtful post…well done. :-) I think you hit the nail on the head in terms of why I enjoy the idea of “taking on” – since Christ took on the sins of the world for us, it feels appropriate to take on something to deepen our relationship with Him. I agree with your minister that giving up stuff can sometimes shift the focus to ourselves…unless you approach it like my sister, who will tell what she has given up and then never mention it again. I had a friend in BR who fasted one day a week during Lent but never said a word about it – I didn’t even know until some months after when we were talking about fasting. Okay – must get child out of tub now. :-)
Do ya’ll remember kimberly inkster. i know that you all do, but anyway her husband wrote a book called “CHASING SOLOMAN”. It is supposed to be great. i haven’t read it yet but i am now inspired to but and take on reading. not my favorite activity-
Our church, which is the Episcopal Cathedral here, does 3 services for Ash Wednesday. We had a full house for the noon service today. During Lent, it is important for me to not only give something up, but also to do something for others.
As you will see by the article below, it seems that other denominations are catching on: ;)
More Denominations Join Lent Observance
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060301/NEWS06/603010385/0/BUSINESS01
The Catholics and Episcopalians always have three or four services on Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. We had three services yesterday at St. John’s Episcopal. We went to the 6:00 p.m. service which was interrupted with a loud FART from Beck. I could have crawled under the pew and Houston was laughing out loud. Not only are you supposed to give up something for Lent, you are also supposed to give something back. You should also not eat meat on Ash Wednesday or Fridays and they give you guides or lessons to read everyday. We also have special services during Lent for Palm Sunday, Tenebrae, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Great Litany, and of course, Easter. You need to be taking communion at least once, if not twice a week during Lent, and no, Welch’s grape juice will not do. The Lenten Season is the Holiest Season of the year with Easter being the Holiest Day.
I remember a roommate in college who gave up (literally) fried foods and sweets (and she counted fruit as sweets) every year for Lent, and she complained and whined all through every meal. It struck me then that that was not what “giving up” something for Lent meant! I have in the past given up alcohol, which was actually meaningful for me! :) This year I’m trying to add a daily devotional. In my opinion, Easter feels much more special and meaningful when you keep the focus on Jesus’ sacrifice throughout Lent (which some people – EK and S.- are probably able to do WITHOUT having to add or take away something in Lent)
First of all, I’m just so proud of my nephew. And if I had been with them, I would have laughed just as hard as Houston did. Second of all, I think the Maundy Thursday service in the Epis. church is the most moving service of the Easter season. When that altar is stripped down to the bone – it is, for me, the perfect blend of method and message. And Liz, you are really sweet to say what you said, but I am reminded – especially today, for various reasons – of how selfish and in need of sacrifice I am.
Last night your nephew Beck pushed me to far. Let’s see….At Ash Wednesday services he farted in church and caused much embarrassment. On Thursday I went to Chapel with Beck and Houston at St. George’s and Beck was making faces and Houston had another outburst. I was squeezing knees but they still wanted to clown around. Last night we went to eat at Chickasaw and Houston came in from outside and said that Beck said sh**. Needless to say Beck got his first real taste of soap in his mouth when he got home. Yep….. I washed her out real good and he said he would never say that again.
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[shaking my head]
And for your sake (lest you find yourself in the dog house), I’m going to delete the part about where you say he ALLEGEDLY learned it. I don’t believe I would appreciate my husband publicizing that type of information on the internet. :-)
well its the truth