Spiritual Fashion Trends and Confessions of a Lent Licker

When someone tells you they have given something up for Lent, what does that say to you, the person hearing this proclamation? I recently found myself wondering the answer to this question and also, where did Lent originate and what is it really supposed to accomplish or mean?

Okay, so if you look up these questions on the Internet you are going to get a variety of varying answers. There are a lot of things I could share with you about what I read on the history of Lent and being that I am no scholar on the subject, such as some of my friends are, I will refrain from trying to give you any kind of educated answer to these questions outside of my own personal opinions. Read up on it yourself if you want to know more specific information.

From my earliest observations, Lent was something the Catholics did.  If you were raised Baptist, as I was, you probably would have turned your nose up at this practice. But really, more than likely you probably just would have never heard of it…and maybe you still haven’t! However in recent years, maybe the past 8 to 10 years, practicing Lent has become something like a spiritual fashion trend. I discovered Lent about 6 years ago through someone at church and I thought it was a really cool way to sacrifice something for Jesus. I hoped it would help me build a closer relationship with Christ as I depended on Him to just say “no” during Lent to whatever daily treats were on the table that I like to call the “island of temptation” that is exactly 10 steps away from my desk at work. But if I had to be honest I would have to say that anytime I have given up sweets for Lent, a great majority of the reason was because I was hoping to drop a few pounds. I mean, who wants to give up junk food as a New Year’s Resolution when you know you are only going to stick with it for 3 weeks tops. On the other hand Lent gives us a better reason to give up those sweets (at least for 40 days), there is a spiritual incentive, it’s a sacrifice. Right?

So, I have a confession. For the last 6 years I have not once made it all the way through Lent without eating sweets. I am not Catholic, so does this make me less of a person or Christian? Nah. From what I read and understand, the real practice of Lent is to give up meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays, including Good Friday, during the Lent season. There are a few variations to this, which include some other self-imposed limitations during Lent, but for the most part, this is the big one. So, the majority of Catholics are not giving up their sweets! I don’t even like meat that much! If I was giving up meat, trust me I could make it 40 days and beyond without it. Heck, why not just drag it on through the end of summer? But I have always given up sweets because it was my understanding that you give up something you would really suffer without…..for me that is the sweets for sure. So, this weekend I discovered exactly why I have not been able to make it for 40 days without sweets in 6 years. If you have as many sweet tooths (or teeth) as I do, you are totally going to understand my plight.

So, as I was baking my youngest son’s milk chocolate cake with chocolate icing on Saturday, I reminded myself that I was not going to get to eat any of this glorious concoction because I was stupid enough to try and give up sweets for Lent another year. (Side note: Has anyone read the funny definition of insanity that says it is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results? Booyah!!) So, I was putting the icing on the cake, and the cake was still warm and it was all so yummy and wonderful smelling. I will have you know that I did not consume any of that birthday cake. I did not even lick the bowl, spoon, or knife that had the left over cake batter and icing on them. I was not a lent licker! But I was thinking about how hard it was to resist, and how good I was being for not touching that cake, and how much weight I will lose if I succeed at keeping this up for 40 days. And then it dawned on me. I HAVE TWO MORE BIRTHDAYS TO BAKE CAKES FOR DURING LENT!! Ughhh!! All three of my kid’s birthdays are during Lent!! No WONDER!! Who can blame me for giving up and giving in after having not one, not two, but THREE yummy, warm, wonderful birthday cakes baking in my oven!! And don’t even get me started on the torture of serving scoop after scoop after scoop of ice cream on to all those birthday party plates each time!! We are talking three birthdays with three separate parties, which included at least 30 kids total for each year that I had to personally and individually serve this awesome home-baked cake and ice cream to. And that is not counting all the times I passed the earlier mentioned “island of temptation” with cookies (today’s temptation) on display for anyone to enjoy in the workroom! Can any of you empathize?

Monday night, my daughter and I took my youngest son out to dinner for his actual birthday, even though he was spoiled enough at his party Saturday night. We went to a Mexican restaurant first, and then to Chili’s for dessert because that is what they wanted to do. Have you ever had Chili’s Paradise Pie, or Molten Chocolate Cake?? Well, I will let their names speak for them. I had half of the chocolate cake. It was sooooo yummy!! I totally blew Lent again!! This is what made me feel guilty enough to actually want to do a little research on the topic to find out just how bad I really am in God’s eyes by breaking the fast another year. This is also why I say that for some people (not everyone), Lent has become something that is a trendy and fashionable thing to do (or just say you do) to show others you are being “spiritual.” Many of us do not understand or internalize the sincerity, reverence and humility it was meant to involve.

So, for those of us who don’t really know what Lent means or if we had to admit, would say our true purpose in participating is maybe just another way to lose a few extra pounds or gain some attention for our outward sacrifice, let me share with you this scripture that I am going to remember for myself when it comes to fasting and sacrificing.

“And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:16

Next year, I am giving up meat.