With the Lenten season upon us, many devout (and/or guilt-stricken) Christians have given something up. So far, I’ve heard of people giving up chocolate, French fries, alcohol, dessert, alcohol AND dessert and bill paying.
To each their own.
The 40-ish days between now and Holy Week represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, fasting, praying and resisting temptation. Including carrots childishly being dangled by Satan. “Change that rock into bread and feed yourself if you’re so cool.” “Bow down to me and I’ll give you the world, including all my Tonka trucks.” “Jump off that cliff because everyone else is doing it.”
Or something like that.
It’s tradition for believers to honor Jesus’ dedication to his own faith by not giving into our temptations for the next several weeks. The theory is that depriving ourselves helps us identify with Jesus’ sacrifices in the desert. And ultimately, on the cross.
Technically I think we’re supposed to give up whatever gives us the most joy…So the bill-paying thing may not apply after all.
For me, it’s not about what gives me the most joy. It’s about taking away one of my crutches. And showing myself I’m strong enough on my own. (That analogy, by the way, is strictly figurative and in no way intended to offend anyone who has been on crutches the past, oh say 6 or 7 weeks. Susan.)
Personally, I’m giving up caffeinated beverages for Lent. I’ve had a longstanding love/hate affair with caffeine. I believe it’s a very mild vice. But it also signals for me how easily I can allow my body and mind to be altered. Never mind what beer and my other vices (ahem, potato chips) do to my figure and my faculties.
So today, here I sit, with a can of 7Up, standing in for a Mt Dew. Everything’s foggy and I’m moving super slow, but at least I’m caffeine free. I’ve reached for this drink at least triune times, mistaking it for a can of caffeine-infused goodness.
But nope, it’s still just 7Up.
And then I’m reminded why I’m drinking 7Up in the first place. It’s Lent. The season of sacrifice. On a side note, does McDonald’s still discount its fish sandwich on Fridays during Lent? Or, due to the economic crisis, do they teach men to fish for themselves instead?
But I digress. Oh and look: my crisp, refreshing beverage contains 100% natural flavors. But no actual fruit. Oh Lord, I have a ways to go.
——
Editor’s note. On day 8 of my caffeine fast, my mouth was watering for a good old Coca Cola. And as much as I’d like to tell you that I overcame the urge and remained steadfast, I don’t think I should lie on top of giving in to temptation. I’m human after all.
Unscripted 