Lent

My roommate somehow convinced me to give something up for Lent this year, even though neither of us are Catholic. Much like I did for my class assignment in my substance abuse class last winter, I'm giving up desserts. (If I was able to do it for 85 days for that assignment, I can certainly do it for the much shorter time of Lent, right?) My roommate is giving something up else for Lent, but is joining me in giving up desserts as a form of moral support. It won't be as hard for her, though. She prefers salty snacks to sweet ones.

I know it's not going to be easy. I remember the kind of intense cravings I had the first couple of weeks last year when I did my substance abuse abstinence assignment, as well as some pretty intense cravings dreams that I had. It got easier after a bit, but it still wasn't easy... mainly because I quickly realized how key desserts seem to be in our culture. At every church function or social gathering, there are treats... cookies, brownies, cupcakes, hot chocolate, donuts, candy... all so tempting. I rarely will make or buy desserts, but I always end up having some around because people drop them by or have them out when I'm visiting. It may be even harder this year because I have a couple of roommates who really like to bake and because I'm not doing this for a school assignment (that was a kind of big motivation for me). Also, there are ALWAYS treats at work (especially on Wednesdays, when the adoption team is all in and the adoption groups are happening). And my work is awesome and we have things like cookie bake-offs and tailgate parties, which obviously include treats. And I tend to crave desserts when I'm hungry. Like I didn't pack enough food for lunch today (oops) and was really craving a Hostess cupcake... and I haven't had one of those in years.

But I really like the purpose of Lent... The idea of giving up something that is taking you away from Christ. We all have things that we are holding on to that are getting in the way of our relationship with Him. Maybe desserts aren't necessarily doing that for me. But by giving up desserts, I will have to exercise self-control, which will hopefully transfer to other aspects of my life, which will then bring me closer to Him. Or it might at least give me pause when I'm craving a dessert and cause me to think of why I'm not going to give in to that craving and instead think of Him for just a few seconds.

But... I'd be lying if I didn't also have other motives in doing this. By giving up desserts, I get to cross another thing off of my 101 list. (And maybe lose a bit more weight like I did last year.) :-)