Lent

[Jersey Girl]

Well this is going to be just a bit different. I grew up with Catholic kids who gave up various things to observe Lent. Usually it was candy or gum. No church I've ever been in observed Lent so I've never experienced it myself.

Until now.

I started back on March 5th and let me tell you, there've been at least 2 times where I came this close to slipping up, started trying to bargain my way out of it (No one will know. A month is good enough.) but managed to put the brakes on and stop myself. It's harder than I imagined it would be that is for sure! I've developed a new found respect for the dedication of Catholic folk who observe Lent. It really does take a lot of will power not to cave to temptation.

I recalled this scripture both times:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

On March 5th I joined a boycott and gave up Target.

Have you ever observed Lent? What did you give up? Was it hard for you, too?

[Some Schmo]

I gave up church for Lent.

It made me feel so good, I kept it going ever since.

ETA: (It just occurred to me that I actually did stop attending church one April in the mid 80's).

[canpakes]

We were a Lent-observing family, Jersey Girl, but we really only tried abstaining from some particularly tasty food item. That’s always the easy option for kids.

[Physics Guy]

For years I would give up alcohol for Lent. I think in some earlier years I would use the “all Sundays are feast days even in Lent” cheat to have a couple of beers on Sundays but I mostly went the whole 40 days plus Holy Week. It wasn’t so hard, especially after I found a non-alcoholic beer that I like.

I stopped this a couple of years ago now after our older daughter got me doing Dry January. Lent comes pretty soon after January, and I decided that if I was going to do two dry months in the year then they should be more evenly spaced. So lately I’ve been doing dry January and July, and nothing particular for Lent.

The result is that I don’t even notice Lent, and I miss the sense of progress in this time of year. Lent usually falls between our teaching semesters here, so the time is less structured and often goes by in a blur. I should maybe start doing something for Lent again. It should be something worth doing, because I don’t think I need any pointless austerities, but not something so worth doing that I should just be doing it all the time. Hmmm.

[Jersey Girl]

Lent observation 2026 edition.

So I decided to do it again. Observe Lent. Lent officially begins on Feb 18 and ends Apr 2 this year. I've got only tomorrow to figure out what I'm doing.

Was watching a favorite youtuber. She's a pastor of a different kind who really appeals to me in that into her videos she weaves in the Bible and other types of literature, historical matter. She's lives a Primitive lifestyle for the most part, and she loves nature. We have much in common. When asked in the comments if Christians should observe Lent here was her reply.

I think what matters the most is that we enter into the 40 days remembering how Jesus overcame the wilderness and that we are more aware of this time of year to try to be fully present to God. I see Lent as a season of surrender, where I try to let go all that is bothering and then run free with God. Growing up, my family never received ashes on Ash Wednesday either. And so, yes, great question. No, you don't have to fast during Lent. And rather than giving up anything, I encourage people to "take on" something...take on being more patient, loving more, praying more. We all nurture our faith differently and there are many paths on this spiritual journey that people take to get to the heart of God. God knows what works for us. He knows our hearts and he knows what will reach our hearts.

I'm going to try taking something on for 40 days. Currently doing a Bible Study 40 days through the New Testament. To count that would be cheating because it's already started. So...I'll try to find something spiritual-related and if I read her right, it's gotta fit me.

If you are observing Lent this year I'd be interested to hear about what you are doing or not doing this season. What does it mean to you? Did you learn from your practice and if so, what did you learn? If you are a non-believer maybe you'd like to go on a 40-day journey of your own by taking on exercise, a daily walk, meditation, practicing mindfulness, shopping small business only, watching documentaries about a particular interest area, learn a new skill, or like she says above concentrating on patience, love, or what about acts of kindness? Volunteer at a food bank and try that on for size? Facilitating a community clothing swap? I dunno...it's a pick your own topic type thing.

I think I could keep a personal journal of my own and do a weekly report on this thread of how it's going. Knowing me, this could get weird. Reporting in will help me stay on track. Pretty sure I'll mess something up. I could have stayed with tradition and given up the board for 40 days. That would have been an act of charity to you guys.

I'm not feeling that generous.

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

I’ll join you, Jersey Girl. I’ll give up cigars for 40 days.

- Doc

[Some Schmo]

I should try to give up the news till April 2.

The news is a bad vice, and it would be cleansing to give it up for a while.

[Doctor CamNC4Me]

I should try to give up the news till April 2.

The news is a bad vice, and it would be cleansing to give it up for a while.

Go for it.

[Res Ipsa]

I will join y’all with a daily walk. I’ll call it giving up slothfulness.

[Jersey Girl]

I was so surprised when I viewed the board and saw you guys' replies. I didn't think anyone would reply at all. Like...nobody. I wish I could have prepped for Lent. That said, thank you guys for your replies and joining the trek before us. I want to go through replies and share what I've come up with on my end.