All growing up I never gave anything up, I figured I did things in moderation anyway and that it was more of a catholic holiday. But I don't think that is true anymore. I think it is okay to start at any point in the 40 days. It is a great chance to practice some self control and focus more on our walks with God. We can fast and pray anytime of the year, but something about lent makes a greater connection with everyone else in the world that is participating at the same time.
I might also suggest that lent is another chance at New Years Resolutions. It is rare to hear a success story of a resolution, but it does happen. Maybe we feel guilty of not succeeding and so the second time around we try harder. Maybe it is a greater motivation to be focusing on God and that is awesome.
I don't mean to offend anyone so please don't take this post as any sort of attack.
I would love to hear your success stories or opinions!
It was way easier to give up stuff for Lent back when I was younger and in college. My good friend was Catholic and so I gave up something every year to do that along side her. One year I gave up chocolate. The next year Pepsi. I think I even gave up dessert one year. It wasn't that hard and I suceeded each time. But now that I am "older" it is so much harder to give up things. I gave up sugar and coffee for two weeks just recently, but caved in after a week and had dessert at Gourmet Group and said I would go back to no sugar and coffee the next day and then had a tiny scoop of ice cream the next day. Yes, I only lasted a week! But I wasn't doing it for anything spiritual.I think when it's for God, like Lent, then I am more apt to really stick to it. I don't give anything up for Lent anymore, though.
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