The Season of Lent

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. I have never really observed the season of Lent. I always thought it was a Catholic holiday, but over the past few years, I've realized that Lent is a wonderful opportunity for repentance and learning to rely on the Lord for everything. That is certainly something that I could stand to learn at this time in my life.

Some people from our church have all decided to give up sweets for Lent, and Jason and I have decided to join them. I was reluctant to do this because sometimes I feel that's all I can keep down. However, I think that giving up something is not supposed to be painless. After all, if Jesus could give up his life, I think I can give up some things that I enjoy. As my wise husband stated, "Jesus kind of liked his life a little bit." So yes, I think I can do without things I like too.

So here is my list. These things will go during the next 45 days, and then I'd love it if they stayed gone forever! I'm going to do my best.

1. Sweets - This is the one that we are all giving up together. Candy, cakes, cookies, etc. This has already proven to be quite difficult with Valentine candy littering our house. I think I'm going to gather it all together and give it to Jason's piano students :)

2. Fast Food - Jason actually thought of this first, and I realized that if he gives it up, I kind of have to also. This is bad because I like fast food, and it's so nice to have another option when I don't feel like cooking. I guess I better get to planning some meals!

3. Complaining - This is a big one for me! Some of it is complaining about how I feel physically and some of it is complaining about injustices in life regarding other people and situations in life. I say I'm just "venting" but in reality, I'm complaining about something or someone, and I'm saying things that don't need to be said. Not even to my husband. And especially not to other people.

4. Having the last word - Ugh. I always feel the need to defend myself and just say one more thing so that I look good by the end of the conversation. But the thing is, sometimes (a lot of times) I'm the one who's wrong, so I shouldn't need to look good by the end. I should just apologize or agree and then walk away.

So there it is. Please keep me accountable if the opportunity arises! That's why I'm posting this on the Internet for everyone to see! It's going to be difficult for me to do but I think that's the point. I want to use these things to learn to rely on God and spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible.