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Lent 2010

Thursday, February 18, 2010

My husband and I are both Christian but he is of RC orientation. One of his yearly practices is to observe the season of Lent. I am sure most know what this is but in case some don't, (in my understanding) it is where you make a personal sacrifice for 40 days. It is to be like Jesus was when fasted in the desert for 40 days.

So, hubby always makes some sort of 40 day commitment this time of year. Sometimes I do too. I feel like I am respecting him and his faith. I also feel it gives me time to reflect on my faith especially when I find myself unhappy about giving up something I love for 40 days. I believe this is called exercising self control. Yuck!

This year I will participate. I thought hard and long as to what I will give up. I came up with an idea and I am already hating it! So please I ask for support on this! My Lent commitment this year will be nothing in my mouth after 7:30 PM. There will be a few exceptions: 1) If I didn't eat dinner yet then I will allow myself to eat my dinner but I know this will be rare. 2) Drinks will be allowed and I mean water or one glass of wine; not shakes or smoothies etc.

Is anyone else observing the lent season? If so, and if you don't mind sharing, what are you giving up? Also, I ask for support. I can be weak and grumpy with these sorts of things! LOL
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KARENK63 2/25/2010 8:38PM

    I like KALISWALKER's comment, though for me that applies to being hungry after the snack I have around 9-9:30. But that's because I'm hypoglycemic--I wouldn't be able to stick to your vow, and probably shouldn't.

The _late night_ eating, though... that has got to go. And I've heard several people recommend going to bed as a way to beat it.

Good luck with your goal, and stay strong!

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KALISWALKER 2/20/2010 10:34PM

    After doing a lot of reading on the subject of eating after dinner I have convinced myself that feeling hungry means I have stayed up too long. I got to bed when I get hungry and it works! I wish you all the best!

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TIGGER2908 2/19/2010 7:53PM

    Being Protestant, I've never observed Lent. I have, of course, heard of it. Maybe this will be the year for me to start. After all, there's nothing stopping me, is there?

I know I'm a couple of days late starting, but maybe I'll give up eating ... what? Chocolate? No, I'll fail within days. Desserts? I could do that but is it "hard" enough? Eating after 7:30? I sometimes don't get home from work until after 7:30, so while I try, that's not going to work yet (I'll have to build up to that one.)

I want it to be something hard but still achievable. I certainly don't want to fail on my first Lent. So I guess desserts it is.

So, we'll just have to support each other. I will have to stay focused, that's for sure. It's way to easy for me to have 'just a little bit'.

Good luck.


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ILOVEPEOPLE 2/18/2010 2:07PM

    I observe Lent. I am not Catholic, but I view this time as a great time to focus my eyes or attention on Christ. He gave His life for me, I figure I can give a pleasure up to remind myself of all He gave.I don't always give something up though. Sometimes I add something to my life such as a commitment to read my Bible daily or pray fervently for someone or a cause. This year I am giving up a silly game I love to play on my iphone. It really takes up a lot of time in small increments. I am replacing this with reading or prayer. I do miss the game, but every time I feel like playing it I am reminded of Christ's commitment to me and how much He gave up so I could be atoned for my failings.
Your sacrifice may be difficult at times but I am sure you can do it. Thanks for sharing!
Amy

Comment edited on: 2/18/2010 2:07:56 PM

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MPORTOLA 2/18/2010 1:45PM

    Hi! Yes, my family is Catholic. For years my husband gave up meat during Lent, but the rest of us (me & our daughters) did something else. This year, we are all giving up meat as a family. This is going to be hard on us, and I especially have relied on lean meat and chicken to meet my protien needs for a healthy weight-loss and maintenance diet. I have lists of foods that we can all enjoy -- pastas, beans, egg dishes, fruit and veggie dishes, and of course fish. I think the fact that we are all doing it together will help us feel a togetherness as a family which is hard sometimes with teens. But I also think it will help me learn new ways to enjoy a Mediterannean sort of emphasis in healthy eating. This, too, is appropriate because my husband is Italian American. Not eating after 7:30 will be hard, but maybe your DH can make that sacrifice with you. Best wishes!

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