What I’m Not Giving Up For Lent

So I was talking with some friends about Lent season… (not to be confused with the lint season, that is perpetual in my house, blue jean pockets and laundry room)…and the question came around to me. What would I give up for lint Lent? Chickenpox, was the first thing I thought of, then exercise, oh I know, how about headaches, some extra pounds, or HORMONES, hormones would be good… Evidently I said some of this out loud, and nears as I can tell, time stood still and crickets chirped. The invisible penalty flag had been thrown. 

Really, give something up? Why, is it a church tradition? [blank stares and more crickets] Then a brief explanation of Lenten traditions followed. I averted my eyes and obediently said, dessert.

As you know I prefer plans to rules. So of course, I have issues with giving something up for Lent in order to follow the rules. I have just spent too much of my life trying to keep all these hard and fast religious rules, in order to find favor in the eyes of God. [Angels singing] How well do I have to keep these rules, anyway? When you boil all the water out of the pot, I’m still just a loser. A bad choice maker, is how my kids say it. “At best a sinner” is how Henry Blackabee sees it.

So what can I possibly give up for Jesus, who has already given His ALL for me?

Instead of dessert, maybe I can give up being so judgemental, or some prejudices, or maybe just legalism and the guilt that goes with it.

I’ll tell you a few things I won’t be giving up: A relationship with Him for one, not to mention His grace, mercy, hope,  forgiveness or love.

If I flunk out of Religion 101, because I had dessert, I’ll understand, it’s just one more thing I fall short on. I don’t mind living in the wilderness, where the crickets chirp, penalty flags fly and forgiveness reigns.

Simply,

Sis

Tags: bible study, giving up for lent, lent