Holy Sacrifice, Batman!

photo via recipesnobs.com

       It’s that time of year again. Lent, *communal groan*. That’s right Easter is coming early this year and Ash Wednesday is the 13^th!  So what does that mean for us? It’s time to decide what our Lenten sacrifice will be.  I have been having such a hard time deciding what to give up this year.  I was going to give up naps because I have developed a reputation for napping frequently.  I told my Mom the idea and she told me I need my rest (love her), plus I don’t really have time for naps this semester anyway, so that is out.

       After realizing my napping idea wasn't going to work I started to panic. I mean Lent is in a few days! So of course I did what any person would do, I went to the internet for inspiration.  Seriously, you can find anything on here.  I found some really interesting and innovative ideas to make Lent a holy challenge.  My favorite I found was this list I found through a friend’s Facebook.  Don’t forget that your sacrifice doesn't need to be giving something up, it can be adding something!

       I think that the purpose of Lent is so often overlooked.  In fact, when I started to write this post I realized I didn't really know the purpose.  So I took some time to reflect on Lent and what I think it means, and I asked my very knowledgeable friend Zach.  He told me the reason that we give things up for Lent is to discipline ourselves and to gain mastery over our desires.  We are not of this world and therefore we should not be attached to worldly things.  I think that it is refreshing prove to myself that I don’t need those things that I am a slave to during the year. Lent can also provide us with an opportunity to imitate Christ by being kinder, complaining less, and showing love. But most of all Lent is to prepare for Easter, for the risen LORD.  We are denying ourselves in order to open up to HIM.  This is what it is all about.

      What are you giving up for Lent? Do you have suggestions for my sacrifice? What has Lent taught you in the past? Love it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments!