Lent began last Wednesday, Feb. 14, so if you already decided to give something up for Lent, then these can be ideas for next year, or you can start doing these things in addition to what you began. Remember, it is never too late to give something up for Lent, a time that allows you to grow closer to God.
Religion teacher Mrs. Flati says, “Lent is a liturgical season that helps us peel back the layers of the false self and helps remind us of what is most important. The three pillars (Pray, Fast, Give) of Lent are a lifeline back to God and to our true selves (who God made us to be). Prayer opens us to God, the One who loves us and knows us best. Fasting strips away the excess that we too frequently get caught up in and turns our gaze outward towards the other. Therefore, Lent is 40 days of peeling back that separates us from God, others, and what matters most.”
With that in mind, here are 6 things you can give up for Lent:
1. Social media apps
Social media can often consume our time. This time can instead be going to God. Pick your favorite app, or the one you spend most of your time on, and offload it during the Lent season. Every time you catch yourself going on your phone, to go on that app, say a prayer or read the Bible instead.
2. Your favorite drink
Many people will grab a drink before school, whether that’s an energy drink, coffee, or refresher. Giving this up and possibly donating the money to a charity or putting even just a dollar every week into the Rice Bowl, can allow you to help others in need while also fasting from something you enjoy during Lent.
3. Negative attitude
A negative outlook can cause you to forget how blessed and grateful you should really be for everything and everyone you have in your life. Take time out of your day when you catch yourself being negative or complaining, and instead pray to God, and let him know how grateful you are for all the things you have in your life.
4. Shopping
Not only does shopping take away time, but it also takes up money. Both these things can be going towards God. You can put an amount you’re comfortable with in the Rice Bowl every week, and spend the extra time reading your Bible, or praying to God.
5. Gossiping
Gossiping is a bad habit many people have. Instead of talking bad about others or saying things that don’t have to do with us, remind yourself you never really understand what someone is going through and why they do the things they do. The only person we can control is ourselves, so it is important to try our best to not contribute.
6. Grudges
Grudges can be very hard to let go, especially when someone hurt you and may have not said sorry yet. Keeping a grudge can only hurt you more, and this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forget what the person did. After letting go of a grudge you will feel so much better.
Remember, praying to God can look different for everybody, whether that be journaling, saying a prayer in your head, or saying it out loud. Never be too hard on yourself for not keeping up with the Lenten promises you made because you can still try your best to continue with them.
