Tuesday, February 24, 2009

What are you giving up for Lent?

The season of Lent begins tomorrow, a season of preparation for Easter and a season in which many people “give up” something – though I suspect many don’t know why (or that the Sundays in Lent aren’t supposed to count and they can indulge to their hearts delight).

Living in South Louisiana for a number of years I grew accustomed to the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?” I usually tired to offer a witty answer but I’ve learned there are some instances when that’s not the best approach.

My little sister (little is 45) is Roman Catholic, as are her husband and four kids. A few years ago her daughter, my niece, Sean Nicole, asked me, “Uncle Doug, what are you giving up for Lent?”

I should have given a bit more thought before answering, “Sean Nicole, I’m protestant, I already gave up the pope!” Witty I thought but apparently not funny to a nine-year old.

I apologized and for the record I have the greatest respect for the Pope – especially John Paul II. I also really like the popemobile!

So for the record: What are you giving up for Lent? (this year I am considering giving up watching the stock market).

4 comments:

  1. I'm giving up facebook. Except when I'm at work.

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  2. I wrote this long comment and I hit the wrong button and lost it. Ugh. So in short...

    I'm giving up saying YES to everything. I overcommit all of the time and so its my hope that by saying NO and having more free time I can invest that time in some daily devotionals.

    I'm glad Kelly's surgery went well. I pray for a speedy recovery for her.

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  3. Glad everything is good with Kelly. Find something to take up rather than give up for Lent. Something where I feel I am opening myself to changes God needs to make in me.

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  4. I would like to give up my stepsister, but I guess that's out of the question!

    Congratulations on Kelli's good news.

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