As I explained in a previous post, this lenten season for me is all about giving up and taking on … so, let me offer a thought on what to give up for Lent.
Maggi Dawn, in her new Lent devotional, gives some insight into the history of “giving it up” during this season: “There’s clear evidence that for at least 1500 years the Church has kept a period of fasting during the weeks before Easter, and it’s thought that it may date even further back to the very early Church.”
A natural question for people like me, who didn’t grow up in a tradition that observed Lent or other “fasting” days of the Christian calendar, is “Why?” What’s it all about – giving up something for 40 days?
Maggi Dawn answers:
This fast has several purposes. It’s supposed to remind us daily that we depend upon God for everything, to draw us closer to God in prayer, to reconnect us to the idea of community, and to help us follow Christ’s journey through the wilderness and on to Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, the prophets called the people of God to a ‘true fast’, one that was not merely the observance of traditions but one that transformed their lives.
So, with these purposes in mind, I’ve decided to give up some different things each week of Lent. I hope this can be a “true fast” and a discipline that expands my capacity to love God and love others.
For this first week from today until next Saturday, I’m going to give up “treats.” Here’s what’s included: anything sweet, anything self-indulgent — no new books, music, or anything unnecessary. No movies, no eating out, no buying coffee (yikes!). Looking forward to seeing how this affects me. I’ll blog the highlights!
Related posts:
- Preparing for Lent: Renewal and Rest
- With An Eye Toward Lent …
- Giving It Up for Lent: Power, Control, and Bullying
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Wayne,
I was thinking about giving up Lent but that probably wouldn’t be good. Seriously, this is such a great season/opportunity to dive deeper in our relationship with Him. I hope you discover more and more about His love for you during this time.
Peace,
Jay
I was raised Catholic, and as a result, took part in all things traditional with regards to the “church year.” Having left Catholicism in the 80’s, I made the mistake (for me) of throwing out the baby with the bath water. Over the last several years I have become reacquainted with many of these traditions and I am extremely thankful that I have. For this Lenten season I have given up chocolate, soft drinks, and red meat.
Wayne, I love your blog!
As you know well, Darryl – I spent years tossing the “baby” out as well! For me, observing traditions and disciplines like Lent is not a “reacquaintance,” but rather a beginning. I’ve tried to find fellowship and “partners” in some of the traditions who have always valued these things. Would love to hear you flesh out more your decision in the “last several years” to reacquiant with Lent …
Thanks for reading and for the kind words!
Peace
Wayne