I don't know if it's just traditionally a "Catholic thing" to give up something for Lent, or whether or not it's just a modern thing that folks do in addition to fasting on certain days during the season. In the past, I've given up soda and/or coffee. I've had problems over-consuming soda in the past (I have awful cavity-ridden teeth), so it's been useful to give it up just for the purpose of being healthier. However, being healthy isn't really the point of Lent is it?
The homily from this past Sunday was about allowing God to carve away at us, to strip away the things that are not really "me," in order that I may become more like Christ and grow closer to God. The priest referenced the Jeremiah quote about the potter's wheel to drive home this idea. We give up things during Lent that we should probably go ahead and give up altogether. We should give up something that interferes with our relationship to God, or prevents us from being good people.
When I gave up soda the first time, I remember on Easter going down to the grocery store across the street from my apartment to pick up a delicious cold something or other. I stood in front of the rows of cold sodas and thought, "Maybe I should just stay quit." This thought was fleeting, as I chose the unhealthy, I chose a delicious Vanilla Coke. I constantly make choices that are less healthy, the wrong choices. I choose to sleep in instead of getting up and getting a head start on the day. I choose to not brush my teeth at night (sometimes). On some Sundays, I choose to sleep in instead of going to church. I constantly put other things before my faith.
This year, since pregnancy has forced me to give up many unhealthy foods and beverages already, I decided to give up watching TV shows. This was a casual decision, but I am really enjoying the results. I feel as if I have so much extra time, and more energy, and that I'm getting more done. It could just be the pregnancy hormones, but my house has never been cleaner or tidier. I've been emptying the dishwasher the same day I run it (this is no small thing for me), I have been washing pans the same night I use them (mostly). Spending this "extra" time a little more intentionally, I feel happier and I feel more content. Since I'm being more productive, I feel less edgy about the level of cleanliness in the house, which means I'm a much nicer person to be around (I hope). I may just quit watching TV for good, in the name of doing more of the things that I really enjoy...and I hope that in so doing, I am somehow moving closer to God.
