Lent

I have always wanted to give Lent a try. You know, one of those culture experiences. Most years I realize a week too late that Lent has already started so I don't bother. This year, thanks to facebook, I was reminded of Lent on day one. I quickly thought of something I could give up. I know I could have put a lot more thought into  it and make it more meaningful. But I went with the first thing that came to my mind. Chocolate. Not a huge sacrifice since I don't always crave chocolate except for around certain times of the month. But it was the best I could do spur of the moment. 

Day 2: Unaware of my quest Dad gave me a big box of chocolate candy for Valentine's Day It went into hiding until after Lent.
Day 5: Dad made a huge batch of chocolate chip cookies. My #1 weakness. And there they were sitting on the counter. Fresh and warm. Let's just say this batch lasted longer then they normally do.
Day 8: Commercials for Easter candy began to air. Has it really only been a week? 
Day 10: I was offered s'more cup cakes at a job interview. I caved. I think God will understand.
Day 14: Didn't get the job. Drowned my sorrows with butterscotch chips and peanut butter. Normally I would use chocolate chips, but the butterscotch chips were an acceptable substitute and actually just as good.
Day 16: I had a dream that I ate chocolate and decided to act as if I didn't and not tell anyone.
Day 19: I might or might not have had a finger full of chocolate frosting. Ok, I did but it was my dad's birthday and the bowl of chocolate frosting was just sitting there and that is what you do when it is someone's birthday and there is chocolate frosting sitting there. I didn't even realize I had done it til 5 minutes later. I couldn't believe it. 
Day 33: Peanut butter cookies. Mmmmm!!!
Day 38: Bought a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs for the big "break the Lent" day. 
Day 42: Extended Lent a couple days for the days I fudged. (Get it?...fudged! :) 
Day 43: Ended Lent with lots of Easter candy. Actually, not lots. The Reese's eggs weren't quite as good as I remembered. I did eat a bunch of gluten free chocolate chip cookies. Mmmm. 

It is funny that people will give up a habit for Lent and then as soon as it is over they go right back to it. I know, I'm guilty. 

Resisting the urge to eat chocolate is not significant in the least, but the practice of self-control was fascinating. It felt empowering to say no and not give in to physical desire. I have control. And it felt good. I liked the control. 

Throughout this experience I found myself thinking more about the life of Christ. I know my small sacrifice is small compared to the temptations Christ endured. But I did like that every time I stopped myself from grabbing a cookie or a handful of chocolate chips I thought of Christ. It was the perfect reminder and helped me turn to Christ in other areas of my life as well. This was a good experience and I have decided Lent should be practiced year around. 

10 years ago...

I was here. A piece of my heart remains there.