‘Giving up’ is all based on the story of Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. Lent is 40 days of preparation for Easter, a time for soul-searching and repentance.
I was raised Catholic, so every year my mom would make me give up stuff for Lent. I always tried to give up homework or vegetables, but since she wouldn't let me get away with that I ended up going without sweets, chocolate or something like that.
Now that I’m older and wiser (???), I could see practicing Lent even if you're not Catholic, just as a way to appreciate things you take for granted...or perhaps as a way to find out there are some things in your life that you just didn't need as bad as you always thought you did.
So what would you give up for Lent?
I was raised Catholic, so every year my mom would make me give up stuff for Lent. I always tried to give up homework or vegetables, but since she wouldn't let me get away with that I ended up going without sweets, chocolate or something like that.
Now that I’m older and wiser (???), I could see practicing Lent even if you're not Catholic, just as a way to appreciate things you take for granted...or perhaps as a way to find out there are some things in your life that you just didn't need as bad as you always thought you did.
So what would you give up for Lent?
(This is my hint...)
20 comments:
i don't practice lent. but do fast 1 day per month (where i give up everything but water & spend most of the day in prayer).
huggies...
I am giving up red wine.
Your post reminded me of my 13-year-old son's annual pledge to give up carrots - the only vegetable he will eat!
I don't practice Lent, but if I did, I guess it would be my daily cup of chocolate milk.
Enjoy your day.
Eek. I'd be too much of a zombie to work!
I haven't really thought about it yet, and to think that Lent has already started. I was thinking more in terms of 'acts of charity' though. I keep saying I don't have time to do many of the things I want to do, so maybe I should spend time in some of our university's outreach programs. We'll see…
We're giving up spending money. A family of six that probably has way too much stuff in the first place - we're going to go for 44 days trying not to spend any money on anything non-essential.
Living 5,000 miles away from home in a country where we barely speak the language - we think this is pretty significant sacrifice and something that involves not only Mum and Dad but also the kids ranging from the 2-year-old to the teenager.
I gave it alot of thought ,but shamefully that is all I have done so far ..love Jan xx
Iam giving up crisps, a big thing for me believe me. Even when dieting I find a way to have a packet a day
there is so much that I should give up on the food front but instead I am going to try and give up swearing. I don't think I notice when I swear but I do notice it in other people and don't particularly like it....
Hi! I have missed my visits to your blog.
Anyway, I forgot all about giving something up for lent. I suppose my kids and I have done without so much for so long that I did not even think about giving one more thing up. I am sure I can think of something else I can do without, however. I am amazed that it slipped by me this year...
Thanks for your support. Please know it means so much!
love and hugs,
Laura
Not my thing. No giving up for me. I find I work better with adding things than taking away things.
Thank God I''m not religious (hehe) because I would DIE without my Starbucks. Good luck!!!!
xoxo
ym
WOW!! Is that a GREAT idea... I should give up baking for Lent... that's my WORST addiction.....
Hope you manage your 40 days ok
Good luck without the coffee. I did suggest it to my husband (I don't drink it myself) but I think life wouldn't be worth living (for me!) if he gave up coffee!
We've given up chocolate, alcohol and dairy. It's the dairy that's the killer! I'm also doing the Christian Aid "Count Your Blessings" which is a really clever way of raising money whilst thinking about others less fortunate and about our own over-consumption.
I am not sure to understand well. hallo Antonella by rome. Enzo
I'm cutting back on sugared products!
I have a friend who gives up vegemite (yes weird salty australian spread for toast and bread), when I asked her why she wasn't giving up chocolate - her reply was 'you can't give up your staple foods'!
Somehow, I've been conned into giving up alcohol. I'm not a big drinker (if you go by the definition of an alcoholic as someone who drinks more than their doctor) but I like wine with a meal. Sunday's don't count, thankfully, so I we had a drop or two of Claret with our Sunday Lunch yesterday!
I am going to take five minutes out of my 24 hours of continual mulling to not think; I guess this could be called meditation. I started last night. Everytime a thought emerged, I said "yellow" over it, and returned to trying to float. So, while I am taking away something, I am really trying to add, add serenity.
I've failed - managed to stay off the red wine on Friday but caved in on Saturday and Sunday. Three days is the longest I have managed though so there is progress!
@Sugar: That’s probably better and more effective than 40 days without coffee!
@Jane: I’d happily give up red wine as it’s bad for my migraine…and carrots too (although they’re not bad for the migraine)!!!
@Missie: It’s not only for Lent, it’s a way to realize whether I can do without something I’m used to. Hope your knee is getting better!
@Hilda: I’m having problems to get by without coffee! I feel a real zombie! I think your way of devoting your time to a good cause is surely better that my giving up coffee. Well done!
@Thrifty Expat: Another good idea, saving money in this recession period is almost a must. But can you make children stick to it?
@Jan: They say that what’s matter is the thought, doesn’t it?
@Tawny: I think giving up crisps will help you to eat better and healthier. Well done to you as well. Salt is as bad as sugar and caffeine
@Welsh Girl: That’s excellent! Swearing, even mild, is a very annoying habit. But I swear in Italian so very few people understand me!!!
@Laura (SF): Great to have you back. I missed your posts too. Hope everything will go well. Hugs to you as well. Ciao.
@Belette: Yes, I cannot imagine you giving up the good things in life! I picture you as a XXI century Marie Antoinette. Beautiful, proud and regal!
@YM: I think you’re right, at the moment I’m rather suffering without Starbucks too!!! I’m dreaming of a giant gingerbread latte with a delicious all-berry-scone!
@Leesa; I don’t know if this is a good idea, I think next year I will give up something that has got nothing to do with food and drinks!
@Mo: Still struggling, Mo….
@Jackie: Wow, how can you manage without all that? I’ve just read on the web about the “Count Your Blessings” initiative you’ve mentioned and I think this a great idea. I’ve decided that I will donate the money that I’d have spent at Starbucks during these 40 days. I think it will be easier for me having a charitable aim in mind! Thanks very much, Jackie!
@Enzo: In questo post parlo dell’Avvento e dei “fioretti” che si fanno in questo periodo. Io ho deciso di rinunciare a cappuccino e simili fino a Pasqua e sulla scia dei suggerimenti di Jackie, darò in beneficienza i soldi che avrei speso al bar per tutte le mie bevande…Una piccola goccia in un mare di necessità, ma meglio di niente. Cari saluti anche a te.
@Imogen: The thought is what counts, I think. Thanks for visiting!
@The Dotterel: Hi Tim, that’s a great idea. This way you can look forward to your Sunday glass of wine and really appreciate it… Good for your character and self-discipline, isn’t it?
@Laura: Sounds good. I will try that as well. If not fort Lent it will help to help my mind and relax a bit. Isn’t what meditation is all about? Serenity.
@Jane: Dear Jane, the weekend does not count (at least not Sunday!) So you haven’t failed at all. Well done. Ciao.
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