Lent

The first time I learned about Lent was during the parody song on the last name "Bauchspies"  for Aunt Cindy and Uncle Todd's wedding, when we proudly proclaimed that we "couldn't spell it anyway, so we gave it up for Lent!" and kept singing on. My childhood self thought Lent was a time where you gave up stuff you didn't want and were somehow allowed to do so! Obviously, I wasn't raised in a very liturgical household.

Since then I have come to learn either giving something up, or taking something on, to remind ourselves of everything God gave up to come down to earth, paying the penalty for our sins and creating a way for us to access Life! I have "done" Lent a few times in my adult life and always benefited from the constant reminder of my need for Grace and how ardently He gives it. This year we decided to give a little bit of something up - namely television during dessert (notice we didn't say dinner!) and take something on - namely studying ... during dessert. God's word is sweet - so it fits!

So, during Lent, we are studying the Bible or other material about God, in place of television, while snacking on our sweets, for about 20 minutes. I seriously didn't think I'd make it when we set out to read. Somewhat surprisingly, it goes by so very quickly! And I believe our minds are getting all the sharper for it - and I'm certain our hearts will as well.

So we'll see how this goes! Much respect to all those who actually gave up television or dessert! Maybe next year....