40 Days

I grew up in churches and denominations that did not observe Lent. In fact, though i knew about the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, but I never heard of "lent" until I was married and attended a Presbyterian church in Seattle. They encouraged people to observe lent and had an Ash Wednesday service, which I attended, though I don't recall being faithful to my lent promise.

For some reason, after that experience, I've always been a bit mindful of lent. Since then, I've once again not been a part of a church that observes Ash Wednesday or Lent, but I've always been aware of it. Perhaps there is a bit of catholic envy in me because this idea of Lent and Ash Wednesday appeal to me. It makes no sense but I do wonder if being aware of sacrificing something, however small, in some ways pulls one to be a bit more mindful of their faith, Christ and the resurrection.

That's what I'm hoping for. I know this past Christmas I really enjoyed being aware of Advent and the concept of waiting and anticipating the birth of Christ. I suppose I hope for the same with Easter and that observing Lent will be heighten the meaning of Easter for me.

A few weeks ago I decided to give up something for Lent. My first thought was facebook but I'm not sure it would be for the right reasons. I think if anything it'd call attention to myself, since I'm such an avid online addict.



Which leads me to what I've chosen to give up. While perusing a blog the other day I came across Blood:Water Mission. In the past I've supported other water ministries but I really liked the idea they posed: Of giving up beverages other than water and instead giving the money I'd normally spend on diet Coke (for those that don't know, I'm a diet Coke addict) and at the end of 40 days donate that money to Blood:Water Mission. I even signed up a "team", named it "Crazy" because I KNOW I'm crazy to attempt this, and requested 10 bracelets. Of course, the problem is I don't currently have 10 team members! But I'm collecting them. If you'd like to join my "team" let me know and I'll give you a bracelet to wear. I know this will be a HUGE challenge for me since I am so addicted to diet Coke but even if I just chose to order water at restaurants instead of a soda, I'll be donating a some money to help people in Africa have safe water.

It's only 40 days, right? Actually, it's NOT 40 days; it's 46. February 17th through April 3rd.



It's going to be a long forty days.