Lent begins pretty late this year; Ash Wednesday is March 5. That means I still have two weeks to decide what my Lenten sacrifice will be. It's something I've been giving a lot of thought to. The more I think, the longer my list of possible sacrifices gets -- there are just so many things in my life I can think of to do better!
The two items at the top of my list are both things that would definitely be sacrifices. The first is Facebook. I love Facebook for the social aspect, the community, the ease of keeping up with family and friends I don't see often. But Facebook is also a fancy word for "time suck." It seems that 10 minutes in Facebook time is actually 3 hours in real time. Last year (I think it was last year?) I gave up Facebook one day a week for the 6 weeks of Lent. I wasn't wildly successful, but it's a more realistic sacrifice than going cold turkey.
The second sacrifice I'm considering would also be a Lenten rerun. I'm seriously considering giving up my couch again. Not as in selling or donating it. But as in I wouldn't sit or lay down (it's quite possible that I just used the wrong form of the verb that means "to recline") on the couch. I park myself there, pull up the blanket and suddenly the sun has set and the clock has raced ahead to 11pm. This is a different couch than the one I gave up for Lent a few years ago. It's not as magically comfortable, but it still has that lullaby effect on me.
As I've considered my Lenten options (and yes, I know that adding something meaningful is also an option), I'm well aware that both my consumption of Diet Coke and my use of expletives are also elements of my daily life that could stand some attention. The first would be a denial of self in the flesh, giving up the artificially sweet nectar that at least 2 commenters will tell me is horrible for me, but is oh so bubbly and delicious. The second would be an exercise in self-restraint of temper and language. I really should clean up my effin' potty mouth.
We typically try to give up something as a family sacrifice. The Diet Coke (and all other soft drinks) will probably fall into that category. As for what I'm going to do for my personal sacrifice? I might just lay down on the bleepin' couch with my laptop and ask my Facebook friends what I should do.
6 comments:
I always go with trying to make "the improvement in my life" choice. I hate sacrifice. It's like grounding a child, and the whole family suffers because of it. I really need to get my butt in to a regular form of exercise. This would be of benefit to me both physically and mentally, and it would not result in danger to any of my immediate family. :-D
Here's what I diving toward this lenten season. Ambitious because I'm awful at daily reading plans: http://margaretfeinberg.com/read-bible-40-days/
...and then I just remembered let is right around the corner. Thanks for the reminder!
I'm not one who gives anything up for Lent - not because I don't believe in it but because I do respect it pretty deeply. I feel that if I am ever called to fast or called to sacrifice for the season of Lent, I would find something that would not only be a true sacrifice but that would also bring me closer to God.
oohhh a family sacrifice. My kids are getting to the age where that may click for them. Hmm.
As for me, I usually go chocolate because it's kind of my obsession. Giving up caffeine would just be cruel to those around me!
Best thing I ever did for Lent: gave a sincere compliment to mdh every single day. Try it!
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