I am not Catholic, I am so not-keyed-in to the various Catholic-Christian celebrations that I didn’t even remember it was Fat Tuesday until a woman at work announced she’d made Jambalaya for everyone to celebrate. I happily skipped upstairs for some complimentary Mardi Gras beads (no flashing required) and dirty rice.
It didn’t occur to me until later that evening that Mardi Gras signifies the beginning of Lent. I have never celebrated Lent, I’ve never chosen to give something up for 40 days–well, not those 40 days. At any rate, I was thinking all day about attempting to commemorate Lent this year. I read a dozen blog posts about people giving up meat, or sweets, or spending, or whatever. Here’s the thing–I don’t want to be a vegetarian for 40 days. I don’t. I spent all of February in a spend-thrift way, so I’m not about to do that either. What about giving up movies or TV or Facebook? Yep, not gonna happen. I had thought about giving up sugar–but then my order of Girl Scout cookies was conveniently delivered yesterday, and I just don’t see the point of saving those until after Easter. It seems disingenuous to the Girl Scouts. Or something.
(Confession: I ate 2/3 of a box of Samoa’s yesterday. And they were delicious.)
Ok, so I’m a meat eating, sugar loving, media obsessed, money grubbing, non-Catholic. Lent just doesn’t seem like it’s in the cards, right? Well, last night I came up with something that I really like. I’m pretty sure it’s not in the “true spirit” of Lent, but I think it will be tricky for me and therefore counts. For the next 40 days I will write a handwritten note to one person every day. Am I good at this? No. Will I fail? Maybe. Will I attempt? Sure!
What about you, are you celebrating Lent? Are you giving something up? Adding something? Or are you going to celebrate 40 days of Fat Tuesday and then gorge yourself on Cadbury Mini Eggs? (Please tell me I’m not the only one who does that. Please!)
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That is a fantastic idea!
(I’m glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to accidentally become a vegetarian)
Comment by Britt 2011 March 10 @ 8:06 amThat’s a great idea. I had a long standing goal to write a note or letter to someone once a week. I fail miserably, but even if I don’t do it every week, I do do it sometimes, which is good.
I too read a dozen and a half blog posts by non-Catholics who have chosen to give something up for Lent. I really agree with the principle, but personally I feel no urge to participate in a tradition that is not my own. I set goals for myself all of the time, so I guess I don’t see a need to give something up just because it is 40 days before Easter. That being said, all of the talk about Lent is a good reminder that I should spend the next 40 days thinking about the Savior and preparing myself to have a meaningful Easter.
No offense to any Catholics or non-Catholics who do celebrate/participate in Lent . . .just my personal feelings.
Comment by Melanie 2011 March 10 @ 8:15 amThat’s a great idea. I hope you do it
Comment by Britt 2011 March 10 @ 8:30 amGood luck on your hand written quest! How very exciting for you and lucky for those who get your letters! Happy Lenting!
Miko
Comment by Miko 2011 March 10 @ 10:04 amhttp://www.fumikoalger.wordpress.com
I am not Catholic or even religious at all, merely a follower apparently. I gave up sweets one year which was not really worth it. It didn’t teach me anything besides what I already knew – I like sweets.
This year I am giving up Facebook during the week and I’m going to admit that it sucks simply because when I travel it is an easy way to fill time and right now I am traveling. I figured I would let myself have the weekends since I only have limited time with my husband on weeknites and weekends are much more relaxed with more time together.
Comment by Stephanie 2011 March 10 @ 10:39 amForgot this. We buy girl scout cookies every single year from either a neice or a neighborhood kid. Even with as much as a sweet tooth as I have, they then just sit there. We had a box for almost 18 months that my 15 year old BIL found and ate at Christmas one year. Saddest part was that they were still edible.
Comment by Stephanie 2011 March 10 @ 10:43 amOh, this is a great idea! Just a thought in case you run short on people to whom you want to send notes: Sometimes if I get exceptional service at a store or restaurant, I’ll make a mental note of the person’s name and write a handwritten note to the manager/owner about how awesome the person was. It’s quick and I like to think it’s really appreciated. And it’s kinda fun! (And it means you’re in a store or restaurant, so …
)
Comment by Kim 2011 March 10 @ 11:26 amYou are not the only one! I hadn’t even HEARD of Lent until blogs I read started bringing it up, and I really don’t see the point in setting up a new rule for myself, failing because I am not at all committed to a holiday that I don’t even understand, as a Protestant, and subsequently feeling bad about myself!
Comment by Allie 2011 March 10 @ 12:57 pmWell, from my blog, you know I’m giving up sugar. So far, it’s going great. I’ve made it a whole 36 hours! I love your idea, why does it have to be something to give up? Why not spread some love with notes. LOVE it! Good Luck.
Comment by Katie 2011 March 10 @ 2:20 pmI apologize if this sounds rude, but why do you (and apparently several of your readers) want to observe a tradition that you have no history with? As a Gentile, I would never keep kosher for Passover out of solidarity with Jewish friends.
Of course, different sects have different Lenten traditions. I always gave up sweets, but this year, I’m just seeing how far I get with it (first year at a new job is pretty stressful). However, I am definitely attempting to give up gossiping, which strikes me as a lot more virtuous than avoiding cookies.
Comment by Ms. M 2011 March 10 @ 7:11 pmI’ve given up so much over the past 6 months in my quest to be un-fat that I don’t know what I COULD give up, even if I did want to participate. I’ve never been a candy eater, and I haven’t had a cookie or anything like that since last summer sometime. I did indulge in a delicious glass of chocolate milk on occasion, but even that has been given up now for a time. I suppose I could give up my bi-weekly visit to In-N-Out, but that would be insanity, right? Lent is one thing, but there comes a point where it’s just crazy. They would have to pry that Double-Double from my cold, dead hands first. There’s NO WAY I could ever become a vegetarian either. Cows are FAR TOO delicious.
I really like your letter writing thing though. That’s a cool idea. You make me smile.
Comment by Sov 2011 March 11 @ 1:42 amI appreciate the concept of asceticism, but it’s not really my type of spiritualism and besides, I can’t imagine changing any of my bad habits for 40 days. I have given things up for about a month, but I think that’s really all I’m good for.
Comment by Sra 2011 March 11 @ 4:07 amI’m just excited someone else still calls those cookies “Samoas.” Any other name just feels wrong…
Comment by Shannon 2011 March 25 @ 12:13 pm