I
have never been good at fasting. I grew up in the Catholic Church, back in the days when you weren't allowed to eat meat on Friday. Well guess what the school lunch room always served on Friday? Hotdogs or hamburgers. I usually had a bowl of vegetable soup, but do you know how hard it is to eat watery vegetable soup when all your friends are scarfing down overcooked hamburgers and dry, wrinkly hotdogs? Torture.
As a teenager, I really didn't have a good handle on the spiritual side of my life, and didn't understand fasting, worship, praise, and all that. All I really understood was the need for prayer when I really, really wanted something--really badly.
In my junior year of high school, my greatest fear was that I wouldn't have a date for the prom. So I prayed and prayed and lit candles and prayed some more. God was faithful, and come spring, I had a date for the prom--as well as a gorgeous pink organza gown that my sister had made for me. It was a magical night to remember, and I do.
But I have digressed a smidgen. What are we giving up for Lent is the subject here. I'm a Methodist now--have been since I was in my 20s. We Methodists aren't required to give up anything or fast for Lent. But I've had a lifetime almost to think about things, and now I realize that spirituality and religion are much more than praying for stuff you want. As I have come to realize that life on earth is a preparation for the life to come, things like prayer, fasting, medication, study have gained much more importance. So I'm giving up desserts and sweet snacks for Lent.
I knew perfectly well that the moment I made my decision to do this, I'd be hit in the face at every turn with gooey chocolate brownies, coconut pie, and all kinds of temptations. But I'm ready to resist them. Of course, it would be much easier if I could stay inside my house for the next 40 days, which I can't. So send those thoughts of strength my way.
So goodbye desserts. See you on Easter. I'm already planning that big moist delicious coconut cake.
Before I close, I'd like to show you this fun package that I received from my sweet friend Courtney and her beautiful children. Courtney is a great crafter and a whiz with the crochet hook. I love all my little gifties, and especially the Valentines that Court's kiddies sent me.
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On 02/17/2010, Courtney Short-Prudhomme said ...
We aren't Catholic either, but have done different fasts - usually a first of the year thing - although we didn't this year. I too am trying to remember to pray and spend time with God in the goodtimes and the bad.. not just when I need something. P.S. Glad you liked the goodies -you deserved them :-)
Court
On 02/17/2010, Barbara Anne said ...
What cute and festive happy red goodies! How kind of Courtney and her family!
You certainly took the bull by the horns in choosing the whole dessert category to give up! Not to derail you in any way, but wouldn't giving up chocolate be enough of a sacrifice? As a Baptist, I didn't grow up with the Liturgical calendar, fasts, and such but have a real appreciation of the church year and calendar now.
My Lenten booklet is "Love that Beckons" by Paula D'Arcy that a kind friend sent to me.
Hugs!
On 02/17/2010, Zannah said ...
Godd luck with the giving up of desserts. We're not Catholic either - but I think it's helpful to try to deny oneself something once a year. It just makes you appreciate what you have so much more - and some years, when Easter has arrived, I find I've lost the desire for whatever it was (so it obviously wasn't THAT essential!!).
This year, we're giving up take away food, and buying cakes / sweets / chocolates.
On 02/17/2010, molly said ...
You know that dark chocolate bars aren't desserts. They are "medicinal" and perfectly acceptable during fasting from "sweets"... especially the kind that are 70% cocoa or more.
Molly who hasn't thought up what to abstain from yet(being a recovering Baptist and all)
On 02/17/2010, MJ said ...
As a Catholic, we are taught that Sundays within Lent are actually not part of Lent (count the 40 days from Ash Wednesday, they don't include Sundays!). So our parish priest says that whatever we give up for Lent we can have on Sundays. Really!
MJ
On 02/17/2010, QuiltyBird said ...
I was raised Catholic and much of my family still is. They are all doing the "no meat on Fridays" thing for lent.
About 15 or 20 years ago, a priest told us (DH and me) that the whole "meat" thing wasn't as important as the sacrifice. Too many people were using Fridays as an excuse to have lobster dinners, or order pizza, etc.
Watery vegetable soup - yes. Shrimp scampi with wild rice - no.
On 02/17/2010, Teresa/MarieSews said ...
I was also brought up Catholic and "enjoyed" meatless Fridays that didn't include any lobster but a lot of refried beans. YUCK! Not being a practicing Catholic now, I still feel the pull to give up something during Lent. You've made me think about this again. Thanks Susan.
On 02/17/2010, KAI said ...
You can do it! I KNOW you can! And that coconut cake will be all the sweeter for it come Easter! As for Court - she's a treasure. I adore her and her entire family! I also received a goody box from my girl, and love everything IN it! My favorite things? The Valentines from Jas, Jay, Eli! It makes me SO HAPPY that you two hit it off! Two nicer people couldn't be imagined! LOVE YOU!
On 02/17/2010, Niki said ...
"No sweets during Lent" has always been my motto. Why oh why are Hot Cross Buns only available during Lent? It just isn't fair.
On 02/18/2010, Ruth Landon said ...
Susan, what about your birthday cake?
Ruth
On 02/18/2010, Jan said ...
The best of luck w/that chocolate Susan! I'll be cheering you on :)
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