What Are You Giving Up For Lent?

So all the way to school, my kids and I talked about today is 'Ash Wednesday' and the whole talk of their catholic school is "What are YOU giving up for lent?"  Even last night at wrestling, it was all they talked about before practice had even started.

Last year we gave up an American favorite:

 

This was a super difficult one for my family.  My brother, Justin, who is has become quite a cooking connoisseur gave me an amazing dough recipe so we are always making pizza.  It's quick, it's fast, lots of variety, and super nutritious.  One funny story happened last year: It was the day after Ash Wednesday and my school kids brought Pizza Flavored Combos with them to school for snack.  Kim, the secretary, called me about 9:30 a.m. with both Dawson and Belle in hysterics because they were so upset that they brought those "pizza flavored" combos to school and now they couldn't eat their snack.  They weren't so worried about not being able to eat it, they were more worried they were going to break their promise of what they gave up for lent!  Well, we both patiently explained that "pizza flavored" isn't exactly pizza...(and in my opinion, it doesn't really taste like pizza anyways, but whatever).

Two Lents ago it was:

 

That's right all candy.  Do you know how many kinds of candy there are out there!  This wasn't super difficult for me because I don't eat a lot of candy, but it was very difficult for the 4 children.  I do have to admit that giving up the chocolate-part was hard for me because I love to have something chocolate everyday (usually a few chocolate chips is enough).  But, I soon realized how much candy our kids are offered on a DAILY basis!  From their friends, the clubs they are involved in, school, and even church gives out candy during their children's time!  They are constantly bombarded with candy.  They all stayed strong and made it the whole 40 days which made me an extremely proud mommy!

 

Three Lents ago it was:

 

 

Our favorite dessert in this dairy-loving house!  Dawson and Daddy had a very hard time with this one.  They both love to have a bowl of ice cream after their supper or right before bed-time.  For Easter that year, we were up at my parent's house and my mom had purposely bought 3 different flavors of ice cream all ready in the freezer so at the end of Lent they could really indulge!  But, that led to a discussion with my father, who is a Lutheran pastor, when is Lent officially over?  I still don't remember the exact answer after so much debate (guess we will have to rehash it again this year).

 

This Lent we decided:

 

 

Yep, Ladies and Gentleman, JUNK FOOD!!!  With our on-the-go life, we try really hard to not eat junk food, but we are as guilty as anyone.  This might be a little tricky with traveling tournaments every weekend, but it's just preplanning of grabbing those 'CLIF' Bars and bananas instead of a candy bar at the concession stand.  So, wish us luck this year!

 

But, whatever you give up for lent, let that not be the important factor.  Let the REAL reason on what Lent is resonate in you:

 

Jesus spent 40 days fasting and praying in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan.  We do this 40 days of prayer, fasting, and abstinence to be able to relate to what Jesus did for us as part of his journey which ultimately led to him dying on the cross for our sins.  So, every time you say "No" to that junk food or whatever you gave up for lent, just remember that is a small slice of what Jesus went through for YOU.  I challenge all of you to find something that you will give up this Lent, and reflect on it every day.  Pick something that isn't easy but something that is challenging so it can be more impactful.  So is 'Junk Food' just a trivial thing?  Yes, in many ways, absolutely.  We aren't totally fasting, or being tempted by the ultimate tempter.   But it instills a connection in your children so they can understand the meaning of Lent on a more personal level.  Use this time to find a closer relationship with your savior and lord, and teach your children the real reason for Lent. 

 

So, what did you and your family decide to give up for Lent?