Goodbye Sweets
Ash Wednesday was yesterday meaning the Lenten season is here once again.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always given something up for Lent. When I was younger I would give up soda, which was always a challenge. One year I gave up time and used it to do daily devotionals. Last year I gave up cookies-my preferred choice of baked goods.
This year, I tossed around the idea of giving up social media but I enjoy Facebook too much. I have too many family & friends who live far away- I don’t want to disconnect. Instead I decided to give myself a big challenge- give up sweets.
I don’t think I eat a lot of sugary snacks but I do eat them daily. I know I eat at least three (sometimes twelve) dark chocolate kisses AND dessert every night. My favorites are frozen yogurt or ice cream, reduced fat Oreos, and homemade brownies. I have no self-control when it comes to these sweets. I can crush a package of Oreos in 2 days and clear half a batch of brownies in a blink of an eye. And I never turn down ice cream. This will be a difficult.
Lent is time for prayer, penance and sacrifice. I was raised that giving something up is a sacrifice to prepare ourselves for Easter and allow us to reflect as Jesus might have during the forty days spent in the desert. Do I think giving up sugary sweet treats is going to bring me closer to God? Maybe. I might find myself praying more; this is going to take a lot of self-discipline and will power!
Do you practice giving something up for Lent?
