My own personal Lent...
faith, personal 0 Comments »8 FEBRUARY 2010
(image with thanks from cartoonchurch.com)
Got a rude shock the other day to be reminded that Lent was just around the corner.
Now, last year, M and I did a Lenten journey - and in doing so gave up alcohol and meat. And while it was a challenge, it wasn't too tricky for us, given that we're not heavy users of either of those two things... However, when it came to feeding the kids, it did become a bit tricky (the meat that is, not the booze! :) )
So, with Lent approaching I decided to put some serious thought into what might be a good approach, based on what Lent means to me...
And to assist me with that (and hopefully others), I've put together a small article on that very topic at the Nomastery... Feel free to have a look if Lent is something you might be interested in.
For me, Lent is about both creating frequent opportunities to remember Christ and his journey, but also a chance to try and simplify our lives, and in doing so live a life more meaningful and worshipful.
So - what have I decided?
Black and white: Nothing but water...
Dietary stuff always works well for Lent, because it's a constant reminder. But adapting foodstuffs can have a nasty impact on the family, creating more effort or drawing them into something that's not their decision.
But not so with drinking. I enjoy a drink - and I don't just mean alcohol. Tea, coffee, chocolate milk, soft drinks... All very enjoyable. And of course, all very unnecessary. Water is enough for anyone. So, for Lent there will be nothing but water (and perhaps milk at breakfast, given that I have a bad tendency to lose weight!). No coffee, no tea, no nothing.
I'm sure that'll be hard. But I guess that's the point. It'll be a very constant reminder, and more importantly will be a lesson in living simply, at a most basic level.
Grey areas: Simple consumption
Lent will also be an opportunity to refresh and concentrate on our desire to live simply. So, before any purchase I'll be asking myself "Do we really need this?", followed by "Do we really need this now?" - If not, we'll wait til after Lent and then see whether we did really need it after all.
Of course, 'need' is highly subjective, so we can't guarantee to be living like hermits - and besides, we enjoy life as a family and do not want to sacrifice our enjoyment or moreso, the enjoyment of our kids. But where we can, we'll be focusing on needs. Cutting out drinks helps too as we'll be having to find other, simpler, cheaper options for outings than our usual coffee and cake!
Giving: What I would have spent.
And of course, it would seem a bit unfair if with the money I saved through this I just pocketed it - So over Lent I'll be developing a rough idea of how much money I'm not spending and putting that towards something a bit more meaningful. It might not be a lot by the end, but it feels better to know that your sacrifice has benefited someone other than yourself.
So off we go! No doubt I'll keep you updated....
What's your Lent look like?



