Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Why this Lutheran Chick does Lent

For the third year in a row, I have given up bread for the duration of Lent. I started giving up something six years ago, when I challenged myself to give up caffeine altogether, and I am proud to say I have stuck to that life-enhancing choice, aside from the occasional sweet tea at a restaurant...we all have our weaknesses, and that is the southern drink of choice, right?

Everyone on my team at work knows, close friends and neighbors, etc. I was discussing it with my friend Mandy on the pool deck, and our conversation was overheard by another swim mom, who said, "I didn't know you were Catholic." I have been asked that before.

I do not do this because I have a deep-seated desire to become a Catholic, though I do have quite an infactuation with all things 'high church', ceremony, organ music, etc. And I am pretty pumped to celebrate Easter service in New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral this year. But...I do it because every year at this time, the season of Lent seems to sneak up on me out of nowhere. I do it because sometimes our crazy busy schedules to not give much time for an across-town trek to Wednesday night service. I do it because it is something I can do DAILY to remind me of Jesus' sacrifice, right up until Easter morning. I do it because I want to, not because my religion expects me to.

Here's to bunless hamburgers and no pizza! D

No comments: