I think a little background is needed...
I've grown up a Christian, and no I don't mean a "Christian", but a Christian. See the difference? Allow me to explain. I don't wear my Sunday best by means of a fancy dress and my hair done just right, I wear what feels good that day (and is clean). I don't attend church to keep face nor do I always have a smile on my face...lately I've been a big blubbering baby while at church. I also don't run around thinking I'm up here and everyone else is down there, I am one of the first people to realize my faults and just how completely imperfect I really am; and to tell you the truth I embrace my imperfections.
So, what does my version of being a Christian look like you may ask? Well, to paraphrase a book...I am a woman seeking to live my life after God's own heart. I am about having a relationship with God, laying my entire life at His feet and trusting that not only does He have a plan for me and my life but He WILL provide for me. I know it might sound simple, but for me it's a daily struggle because I'm continually tripping; but I always fall back on the cross for forgiveness and for strength to change and be better. And I'm not going to go on and tell you the countless times He's saved me, been there for me, and answered my prayers...I could. I mean I have stories I could tell you, but that's not what this blog is about; it's about my journey through lent.
Alright, lets put my brain to the test...what is lent? Well, it's when Jesus went into the dessert and was tested by the devil over the course of forty days. What do people do for lent? Well, I can't speak for all but within my family we give up things, and not just any old thing that would defeat the purpose of giving it up. We chose to give up something that we value, or feel we need on a daily basis. My grandma's given up coffee before, I think last year it was salt; which was comical for others to watch as she cooked. he he
For me, I've never really given anything up; I'm not sure why I just never bothered. I know last year I "gave up" Coke...but that merely led to a new addiction...Dr. Pepper. So I think it defeated the purpose.
The way I see it this time, is a way for me to give back a bit as a thank you to Jesus for the things He gave up for me. I mean, I don't think anything we ever give up will ever amount to the sacrifice He made for us...but I think the symbolism of it says a lot. And to even just grasp that for a second it's overwhelming to think someone would do that for me...I mean I'm nothing in comparison.
What am I giving up? I'm giving up my diet, and no I don't mean a diet-diet, I mean my eating lifestyle. I've been reflecting a lot lately on myself, my health and to be honest I have a horrible eating habit. I go for junk food, pop and fast food any day. I know from experience that I'm so content and addicted to my eating habits that I know I'll never give them up willingly...I'm destroying my body with my addiction to sugar and fast food. So, I thought if I wont give up these things for myself then I should give them up for God. Yes, I know it sounds corny but you know it's true. I mean He's done so much for me, and I know He has a plan for my life but what good is that plan if I'm sabotaging it by destroying my body? ...
With that decision I've come to realize that even though I thought I was laying my complete life at His feet I really wasn't...I've been holding onto my eating habits and keeping the control over my health. So, today on the first day of Lent I am surrendering my diet to God. Starting today I will no longer drink pop, eat any type of junk food, and will no longer eat at fast food restaurants. I've made specific rules around what constitutes as "junk food" and what are "fast food" restaurants. I'm prayerfully going through this, because I know all too well how easy it would be for me to give in to temptation but through God everything is possible. I want to have a healthy diet, get the vitamins and nutrients I need. This time is about how I can make my temple whole and healthy again as a way to praise God. I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm hoping through this process I'd lose weight...but then I guess that constitutes as becoming healthier. But you know what I mean. : p
This is my journey through Lent on what I'm calling the Lenten Diet.
