Today is Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent, a season of the Christian year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God. A funny story about Ash Wednesday is that five years ago I was in Las Vegas [enjoying a boyz vacation] only thinking about escaping the snow. When my traveling companion BeatleTom informs me that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Tom being the good Catholic that he is tells me he needs to find a church so he can attend Ash Wednesday services. I really thought he was joking. Being true to his word, Tom did indeed find a Catholic Church in Las Vegas and off we went to get ashes. Next thing I knew this good old Presbyterian boy was attending Catholic Mass. I have to tell you, Mass was the last place that I thought I would visit during my trip to “sin city”, but I rather enjoyed the experience. As I sat there listening to Mass I was reminded about the sacrifices that Catholics have been making during Lent for the last 500 years. I thought to myself what should I give up for Lent in Las Vegas? I decided that shots of tequila / alcohol were a good place to start, so that began my tradition of sacrifice during the Lenten Season. What I forgot about that first year was that Lent went on for 40 days and let’s just say that my success rate during Lent 2010 was sub-par.
Each year I look at my life and try to determine what it is I should give up for Lent. Everybody I spoke to seem to have a different vice and many people gave up the same thing each year. I figured I needed to do my own research which has brought me to what I am calling the “big five” of things to give up for Lent. I have listed below the top things that people and not just people of faith but all people give up for Lent.
1. Food – I have found that most people pick a category such as pasta, desserts or red meat.
2. Stop Smoking
3. Go Alcohol Free
4. Stop using Make-up – FYI deodorant is not makeup so you are safe.
5. No Social Media [Facebook, Twitter or Instagram]
On a personal note I have focused in on food for the last three years. Food is my biggest vice as I love planning, cooking and most of all eating, so that has been my focus. Last year I gave up pasta and truth be told I actually stopped eating pasta until 4th of July. I think I was feeling guilty about the first year and not being able to stop drinking for 40 days so I gave it a little extra in 2014. I am sure that if you can give up one of the “big five” for 40 days you have accomplished something and should be proud of your sacrifice.
Sacrifice is fine but what if instead of giving up something for Lent you did more of something? I just read a very interesting article in The International Business Times by Maria Vutaggio http://www.ibtimes.com/lent-2015-what-give-lent-beginning-ash-wednesday-7-different-ideas-1819820 Maria lists out the 7 things you could more of. Things like volunteering, eating healthier, attending church. I like the idea of combining the two sides to make one coin. On one side give something up and on the other side do something more that would have a positive impact on someone’s life. As Maria points even the simple act of listening or paying someone a complaint can make a big difference.
You don't have to be Catholic / Christian to observe the tradition of sacrifice during the next 40 days. You simply should recognize that we all have so much that going without is good for your soul. My girlfriend Zeliyha is a Turkish Muslim and I always give something up during Ramadan in support of her and her traditions. I challenge you today to celebrate the season and remember that when you are giving something up for Lent to also add something that will make a positive difference as well.