Lenten Goals
I used to be very “into” Lent.
Back in my younger, church-going days, I observed the season by forgoing soda and desserts. Certain elements devolved as the 40 days passed (“I’m giving up coffee” would morph into “I’m giving up fancy coffee and can only drink black, house blend coffee”), while others got stricter (in high school, someone at my Church convinced me to fast on Wednesdays in addition to avoiding Cherry Coke).
I haven’t kept Lent in more-recent years. In fact, I think grad school was my last attempt … that was the year I learned to love black, house blend coffee. My journey from church-going to non church-going is a subject for another day (and perhaps another blog as that’s not really my bag here). However, this year, I’m in.
This year, I’m giving up guilt. My inspiration comes from a comment on a certain discussion board. I know the person who said “guilt” was likely trying to be snarky, but why not run with it?
I’m a very. guilty. person. I’d wager 99% of this guilt is unwarranted. Will claims that I love feeling bad about things. A common scene in our house involves me sitting on the couch with a book and announcing, “I’m going to read for awhile. Is that OK?” Will has stopped responding to this question. Why on earth wouldn’t it be OK?
For Lent, I’m going to make and effort to banish this constant guilt.
I’m not saying I’m going to go all-out, devil-may-care and do as I please for the next 40 days, but I’m going to make more of an effort to focus my guilt and self-reflection on areas where objective improvements could be made.
Leaf border via IROCKSOWHAT.
I love this! At Ash Wednesday mass this year, the priest talked about using Lent to confront your own demons, and not just give up something so you can preach to others about how awesomely and superiorly religious you are. (that’s almost verbatim. best priest ever) Good for you…best of luck and let us know how it goes!
What a great sermon! I think too many people (teen girls, unfortunately) use Lent as a diet tool more than a time for self-reflection.
When I was younger I was also very into Lent but the past few years it has fallen y the wayside and this year I had not Catholic Church to attend anywhere near me so I did not even realize it was coming!