LENT

Lent... the 40 days prior to Easter. 40 days for us to think about the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross and then rose again in awesome victory. 40 days for us to sacrifice something in our own lives to help us focus on what Jesus did for us. I haven't been one to participate in lent for the majority of my life. Who am I kidding. I've only participated in lent for the past 2 years. I had no idea what lent was until I went to college and saw people walking around with a black dot on their heads. Ummm... yeah. Had. No. Idea. Then I met Laci. Anyone who knows Laci, knows that she really appreciates the liturgical calendar. So it's no surprise that she takes part in Lent. I started giving something up the first year we were roommates. She gave something up, I gave something up. Except, she is much better at following through. Me. Not so much. oooops. I guess I have some things to learn about giving things up. Last year, same thing, although much much better. It's hard giving something up. Have you ever given something up for 40 days? This year. Whew. This year. I gave up 3 things. Sweets, fried food and soda. I don't eat those things very often, however, when I want them... I WANT THEM. and I will get them. And as I was thinking about something to give up this year, I thought about the hold that those things have on my life. I can go days without them. But I had little self control when I really wanted them. I didn't like how much control they had on me. The past week has been rough. I have wanted one, if not all of those things every. single. day. Maybe not really wanting it, but wanting it because I knew I couldn't have it. I think my body went through withdraw. I had ZERO energy. My runs were really difficult. I just wanted to sleep. And I felt really lethargic all day long at school. That definitely did not make for a very fun week. It was like I was walking around in a cloud. I just didn't feel like I had my head on my shoulders. Then I woke up thursday morning and I was back! YAY. I had energy again. Felt like I could complete a whole sentence without getting sidetracked. Goodness. I actually still want those things. But I have people around me who tell me it's not worth it. And they're right. That's what happens when you let people in to what you're walking through. They can help you get to your goal. That way you don't have to walk alone. It's scary and it's so freeing all at the same time.

Have you ever wanted to give something but thought it was too difficult?

Here's some encouragement... You can do it! Invite someone in to that area of your life. The first few days are always the hardest... but you can overcome!

Have an awesome Friday!