Lent

Having grown up in the Episcopal Church, Lent is very familiar to me.  My first memory of this sacred season of the church year is as a preschooler, in our little mission church in Norris.  The church building was erected by the men of the church, including my daddy, and it was in that quaint, simple building...and at home...that my faith was planted and grew. 

A Sunday or two before Ash Wednesday, we children were given Mite Boxes in which to put our coins, to be presented to God on Easter Sunday.  Of course this came out of the Biblical account of the widow giving her mite as an offering of sacrifice to God.  She didn't have much; but what she did have, she shared with God for use in His work on earth.  The Mite Boxes were little milk cartons with a slot on top.  And I always wanted mine to be as full as could be on Easter Sunday.

I tried to earn money by doing extra chores, so that I could have more money in my Mite Box.  And after I started school, I would give up ice cream for Lent...then put the money I saved into my Mite Box.  I think it was a nickela day, if I remember correctly!  Giving up something for the 40 day span of Lent was meaningful to me, even as a small child.  So as I have grown up...and older...I always wonder what to give up.  Some give up desserts...some facebook...some Cokes...or tea...or chocolate.

This year, I have decided to give up some attitudes, instead of something more tangible like food or drink.  I don't always have control of what comes into my mind.  But I can certainly control my reaction...so that's my goal this year:  to use discipline and self-control to have a better attitude.  I don't want to be judgmental or critical or prejudiced or condemning.  There, I have it on paper!  So you all will have to see how I do.  Hopefully it will be a life-long change that will last long after these next 40 days are over.

So...as we journey through these days preceding Christ's resurrection on Easter morning, may we each find our own way...may we seek with our whole hearts, to give up things detrimental to our lives and witness...and to add those things which will honor Christ the most.  It's bound to be a win/win situation.