Every now and then I like to take this little blog on a joyride if you will. Steering clear of the normal content, which I do love, and talk about something a little different.
Today, Fat Tuesday, I thought I'd give you my take on what the season of Lent is all about.
We all know when Lent is about to start because it begins with one last hooray (i.e. Mardi Gras). Then the next day you see people walking around with ashes all over their forehead. Then you hear people talking about what they are giving up for lent. But without getting all religious do you know why we do it?
I think it's worth talking about because you don't have to be catholic to understand the meaning and take something meaningful away from it.
We know Lent is 40 days and ends Easter Week and that during that time period some of us fast, some of us abstain from eating meat on Fridays and some of us give something up. Most of the time you hear about people giving up chocolate, sugar, caffeine...the list goes on but Lent wasn't meant to be a time for dieting.
As kids, we always tried to get away with giving up vegetables (because we loved them SOOOO much) but we were always encouraged to give up a bad habit or something that we just thought would improve who we were if we didn't do it anymore. I'll never forget one year trying to give up fighting with my brother, probably would've worked if he had given up the same thing. He didn't and I caved. :)
Basically Lent is meant to be a time of introspection, change, sacrifice and humility. It's about getting back to basics and simplifying our lives.
Am I giving something up..yep but that's between me and you know who. After the 40 days are up, you emerge a better person, stronger even and ready to celebrate (Easter).
I guess what I'm saying is feel free to join in all the Lenten fun. :) It's worth the time and effort and if not, that's great too. I'm betting this time of year makes you think about your families Easter traditions.
What are some of your favorite family traditions? In case you're curious. Link to more info
Ok, I promise to return to your regularly scheduled posts after this.
I like how you do Lent! I agree, it should be about more than just giving up some food item. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I don't feel like you get much out of it if you're just giving up chocolate or something.
DeleteGreat description. I usually give up sweets, but it's really about so much more than that. I forgot to figure out what I'm giving up this year, as I sit here snacking on chocolate chips... :)
ReplyDelete:) Ha! Love it!
DeleteLent is such an important time for me personally. I am not an overly religious person, although I did grow up semi Catholic (after my parents were divorced, we stopped going) but I am however, a very spiritual person and I believe in the teachings of Christ. Lent was around the time that Jesus went into the desert to be alone, contemplated his death and came to terms with his fate. We so often forget that Jesus was human, he struggled with his fate, he resisted just as we do when faced with not so enormous issues, but issues nonetheless. He needed time to be OK with his death, to speak to God, to meditate. Lent represents to me the struggle that life presents to all of us, some have more and others not so much, but we all struggle in some way. Lent is a time to come to terms with your issues, to let go of our attachement to the way things "should be" and allow and accept what God presents to us. Thank you so very much for bringing up such an important time, a time of reflection, a time of resolution, a time to let and allow.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything you just said! It can be such a beneficial time for us, if we let it be.
DeleteGreat thinking! I grew up Catholic and it was always about giving something up...usually candy or chocolate. I haven't done it in years.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is different. Do what's right for you!
DeleteI would like to point out that Miss Katie was caught antagonizing her older brother on multiple occasions. Don't let her think she was oh so innocent... Good Try Number 1
ReplyDeleteI grew up Catholic and totally remember trying to give up veggies and fighting with my siblings for Lent!! Over the years, I've moved further away from being a practicing Catholic but Lent is a tradition that continues although we haven't really shared it much with our kids. Easter definitely involves an Easter egg hunt at my in-laws. I think that traditions are such an important thing to continue with our kids - it's a way to connect past and present and future.
ReplyDelete