It’s that time of the year again, well if you’re Catholic anyway. It’s Lent, better known as 40 days to “give up” a pleasure or habit. Nonetheless, I want to clarify as to what Lent is meant to be or at least to me. Everyone who participates during lent, Catholic or not (I don’t understand why you would partake in lent if you’re not Catholic haha but its okay) for 40 days and 40 nights gives up something to what we call “bettering ourselves”. HOWEVER, lent is a time of reflection. It is a time period where, for 40 days, you acknowledge and look for a new way to approach life as a whole.
Grant it, 40 days IS NOT ENOUGH, that is IF you truly seek change in your life. I guess you can say its an opportunity given, kind of..sort of an “excuse” like everyone calls it, to alter your life or lifestyle. I however, like to see it as an appointment you can have with God to be an even better person. AGAIN, YOU DO NOT AND SHOULD NOT RELY OR WAIT FOR LENT TO CHANGE SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE. IF YOU TRULY WANT CHANGE, THIS CAN OCCUR ANYTIME, ANY DAY, ANYWHERE THE MOMENT YOU PUT YOUR MIND & HEART TO IT. Anyway, a lot of people give up chocolate, candy, junk food, drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex?, etc. etc. Those are all good offerings because it’s something you enjoy, something you love, makes you happy and all together you find pleasure in.
Giving up such things are acceptable and admirable. It’s not easy to give up something you truly enjoy. That’s why you are offering it. It’s YOUR SACRIFICE TO GOD. However, what do you gain? Sure. You might lose a few pounds, your health might improve but how does that help you become a better person? Lent is meant to be that boost you might need to be a better person with others, with yourself. In other words, offer God and yourself the gift of changing internally. For example, instead of JUST giving up certain foods or addictions, try offering your impatience. Maybe you become easily irritated or angered, offer that and seek to be more patient. Perhaps you’re typically a negative person, you can offer to be more positive. Remember: We all have pains, that doesn’t mean we have to be one. Perhaps you’ve just been lost from your religion, God. Lent is an opportunity to bring closure and allow God to re-enter your life.
Those are the things that the Catholic church seeks to ignite in us. YES, CHANGE…BUT spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Not merely a 40 day trial to see if you can give up burgers or who can last longer. Don’t get me wrong, if you do want to give up something like that, go for it. I’m rooting for you, just be sure to offer it with a good intention. After all, whatever you desire to give up should be done with love and full gratitude for God’s sacrifice to us. So with that said… SEEK A CHANGE OF HEART FOR YOURSELF, FOR THOSE YOU LOVE and EVERYONE AROUND YOU…BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, FOR THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR GOD
XOXO-M
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