You've heard talk in church lately about "Ash Wednesday" and "Lent", so I wanted to fill the picture in on those a little..."What is Lent?!" Lent is another word for the forty days leading up to Easter. In the very early church, people who wanted to be baptized and become Christians spent these days in a hard-core "Christian bootcamp"-type program, so that they would be ready to be baptized at midnight on Easter morning. That's how Lent came to be a church season. "Ash Wednesday" is the first day of Lent, so called because in worship that day ashes are sprinkled as a symbol of our mortality and our need for God.
"But Why is Lent So Depressing??!!" Through the years, these forty days have become a time to think and pray... to think about our faith, about why Jesus had to go through with the cross, about the ways in which we've done and been less than we ought to do and be. The whole idea is that by the time we get to Easter, we will be able to truly appreciate what Jesus did for us on the cross. So ultimately its not depressing - unless you find it depressing that we need God and that God is there for us.
"Do I Have To Give Up My Jelly Doughnuts??!!" Another part of Lent is the idea of "fasting." Fasting is a way of praying in which we do some special thing as a sign of our devotion to God. Most people think of fasting as refraining from food, but you can fast by turning off your electronics (probably harder than the food thing), by giving up a bad habit, by picking up a good habit (i.e. "fasting" from yelling at your brother or sister), etc. etc. This week Sarah and I unplugged our TV and stopped buying ice cream - just a couple things we realized were becoming barriers in our life with God.
If you want to try observing Lent this season but you're not sure how, the folks over at Good Ground Press have put together this very creative and simple list of 40 ways to observe Lent (one for each of the forty days) Check it out!!
1. With as much as we take from nature, it doesn't hurt to put something back. Plant a tree, a bush, or prairie and bring a little more green into the world. If it's too cold, plant something in a pot until the ground thaws, then plant it outside.
2. We all know what it's like to feel crappy and sad. Try to find someone today and make them laugh. If you know you're no comedian, try it anyway and make them smile.
3. Apologies, most of the time, are harder to bring ourselves to make rather than just flat-out making them. It can take some of us years to apologize to someone we've hurt. Today is the day to make your apology to someone to whom you owe it. Be brave, make it from the heart.
4. Read the book, "The Little Prince." Throughout the book, take time to meditate about your own life journey as you read about the little prince's.
5. Every neighborhood and town has an area that needs a little work. Grab a couple of friends and neighbors and help clean it up.
6. People in our lives come and go - some we haven't seen in years. Look up an old friend or family member and send him or her a postcard or letter.
7. No matter where you go in life, there will always be people who annoy or irritate you - no matter how hard you try to like them. Pray for guidance as to do what is best for that person in your life.
8. Prayer is an intimate conversation between you and God. Sharing how you pray with another person can do all sorts of wonderful things for you, your relationship with God, and your relationship with each other. Find someone you trust and share with each other how you pray.
9. Starting friendships can sometimes be difficult. Maintaining them can be even harder. Do something today for a friend that shows her or him that you are truly a friend.
10. Any way you slice it, we are a wasteful culture. From food wrappers to the food inside them which we just can't finish to disposable "anything," we generate a lot of garbage. Do your best to keep from wasting anything today.
11. Yeah it's a drag going to the old folks home, and it's intimidating volunteering at the homeless shelter - but the fact is people get lonely, especially in these situations. Seek out someone who you think is lonely and spend some time with that person - it can even be someone in your cafeteria.
12. You're a lot more useful than you think. Blow your parents' minds by helping them out without being asked.
13. Despite the urges to be the star that you are and hog the center stage, step back from the limelight and let someone else be the focus of everyone's attention.
14. Most folks don't run around wailing and crying because they are hurting inside. One reason for this may be because they have no one to cry to. Try to tune in to someone who may need a shoulder to cry on and be that for her or him.
15. Culture Day! Go see an independant movie, attend a speech or lecture, go see a band or to a play, or hang out at an open mic night. Results may vary.
16. Chill out. Calm down. No matter who bothers you or what goes wrong, try to take each unpleasant situation calmly. The word of today: PATIENCE.
17. If you've ever had rumors spread around about you, you know how hurtful and damaging they can be. Don't spread any rumors today. Actually, try not to talk about other people's business at all - it'll probably be difficult, but cut out the gossip.
18. No one likes a whiner. Period. There's nothing charming or endearing about people who complain when they don't get something they want. Don't be that person. Don't whine about anything today - that means no complaining eihter.
19. Today you are the forgiveness machine. If anyone wrongs you, forgive them right away. Chances are, most people who wrong you expect a fight or retaliation. Being the bigger person will probably throw them for a loop.
20. Today, surprise yourself. Do something you wouldn't normally do, just for you. Treat yourself to some quiet time in your favorite place to relax, eat a massive bowl of ice cream, listen to your favorite album from beginning to end, ask out that guy or girl you saw at the candle shop.
21. Financial responsibility day. Go to the bank and open up a savings account, or at least start up a piggy bank. Get in the habit of putting a few bucks away here and there. Examine your own beliefs, find an organization that reflects them, and give them some money.
22. "I Love You," Day! Why wait until Valentine's day 2006 to tell someone you love them. Answer the question "Where is the love?" by answering "It's right here!" If you love someone, tell them so.
23. Poverty, drug abuse/treatment, sexual violence, and many other social problems plague our society every day. Become an advocate in your church or school about a social problem that you would like to help remedy.
24. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of the dead and grieving in the wake of the Tsunami. Then, thank God in your own way for the gift of life you and your loved ones possess.
25. What better way to help out a friend then to ask God to give them a little extra consideration. Today, spend some time in prayer keeping a friend at the forefront of your heart.
26. Think of the biggest jerk you know. Think about all the rotten things that person has done and all of the horrible things that person stands for. Are you good and mad? Now pray for him or her to be a better person.
27. Dollar appreciation day! You can't get much for a buck these days in the United States. Find out how much a dollar is worth in Peru, Zambia, or Ethiopia. Then take that dollar and donate it to a charity that deals with that country or another social action group.
28. Lend a day to meals on wheels or visit a nursing home and hang out with folks who don't get out much. Bring a little sunshine into a generally gloomy place with your youthful, smiling face.
29. Unload the extras day. As consumers, many of us accumulate and hang on to "things" that we just plain don't need, much less use. Pick out some stuff (not crap) that someone else would enjoy or find useful. Target recipients: little siblings and/or their friends, your friends, outreach/social activities programs.
30. Not every discussion needs to be a debate. And not every point of view is completely wrong, even if you don't agree with it. Today, listen to other people's points of view and think about them with an open mind. In the end, your mind may not be changed, but you will at least gather insight into other people and where they're coming from.
31. We pass by churches and places of worship every day on our way to and from school, home, our friends' houses, the mall, and practice. Take a few moments to stop in and do what comes naturally, be it praying or simply sitting quietly and taking in the architechture and decoration.
32. In a peaceful time - in a notebook or in your head - examine your conscience and conception of right and wrong. Use this time as an opportunity to develop your relationship with your conscience further.
33. When it comes to other people's conflicts, it IS easier to not get involved. But being a peacemaker is a rare and necessary role that somebody has to play. Why shouldn't that somebody be you? Do your best to bring peace to times of conflict in the classroom, the hallway, and your home.
34. Turn off the noise day! Turn off the music, the TV, the radio, the cell phone, the computer, the...you get the idea. Enjoy the silence. See what it is that you find within it.
35. It's funny how we rarely tell the people around us how amazing they are. Find a way of telling a classmate or friend what a great job he or she has done on something or compliment something you acknowledge or respect about that person. A little compliment can go a long way.
36. We live in a competitive culture filled with judgement and stereotypes. Stop yourself when you find that you are making a generalized judgement or recognize how stereotypes influence the way you look at people. Once you are able to do this, you can start changing your mind - everyone is unique. There is no box into which a person will fit perfectly.
37. Living by example isn't necessarily something that just happens naturally. Make a concious decision to be a symbol of hope for those around you. Optimism is just as contagious as pessimism. So start there, show everyone that there is hope and you know it.
38. We spend a lot of time focusing on things outside of ourselves. Spend today focusing on yourself. Who are you? Who are you to others? Who are you when no one else is around? Write down what comes to mind and read it in a week.
39. Imagine peace.
40. Intergenerational day. You know how you and your friends look at the world, but there are people who have been here a lot longer than you. Talk to a Gen-Xer, a Baby Boomer, or someone even older and ask about the world of their day. Then talk about how they view today. See what you find.
1. With as much as we take from nature, it doesn't hurt to put something back. Plant a tree, a bush, or prairie and bring a little more green into the world. If it's too cold, plant something in a pot until the ground thaws, then plant it outside.
2. We all know what it's like to feel crappy and sad. Try to find someone today and make them laugh. If you know you're no comedian, try it anyway and make them smile.
3. Apologies, most of the time, are harder to bring ourselves to make rather than just flat-out making them. It can take some of us years to apologize to someone we've hurt. Today is the day to make your apology to someone to whom you owe it. Be brave, make it from the heart.
4. Read the book, "The Little Prince." Throughout the book, take time to meditate about your own life journey as you read about the little prince's.
5. Every neighborhood and town has an area that needs a little work. Grab a couple of friends and neighbors and help clean it up.
6. People in our lives come and go - some we haven't seen in years. Look up an old friend or family member and send him or her a postcard or letter.
7. No matter where you go in life, there will always be people who annoy or irritate you - no matter how hard you try to like them. Pray for guidance as to do what is best for that person in your life.
8. Prayer is an intimate conversation between you and God. Sharing how you pray with another person can do all sorts of wonderful things for you, your relationship with God, and your relationship with each other. Find someone you trust and share with each other how you pray.
9. Starting friendships can sometimes be difficult. Maintaining them can be even harder. Do something today for a friend that shows her or him that you are truly a friend.
10. Any way you slice it, we are a wasteful culture. From food wrappers to the food inside them which we just can't finish to disposable "anything," we generate a lot of garbage. Do your best to keep from wasting anything today.
11. Yeah it's a drag going to the old folks home, and it's intimidating volunteering at the homeless shelter - but the fact is people get lonely, especially in these situations. Seek out someone who you think is lonely and spend some time with that person - it can even be someone in your cafeteria.
12. You're a lot more useful than you think. Blow your parents' minds by helping them out without being asked.
13. Despite the urges to be the star that you are and hog the center stage, step back from the limelight and let someone else be the focus of everyone's attention.
14. Most folks don't run around wailing and crying because they are hurting inside. One reason for this may be because they have no one to cry to. Try to tune in to someone who may need a shoulder to cry on and be that for her or him.
15. Culture Day! Go see an independant movie, attend a speech or lecture, go see a band or to a play, or hang out at an open mic night. Results may vary.
16. Chill out. Calm down. No matter who bothers you or what goes wrong, try to take each unpleasant situation calmly. The word of today: PATIENCE.
17. If you've ever had rumors spread around about you, you know how hurtful and damaging they can be. Don't spread any rumors today. Actually, try not to talk about other people's business at all - it'll probably be difficult, but cut out the gossip.
18. No one likes a whiner. Period. There's nothing charming or endearing about people who complain when they don't get something they want. Don't be that person. Don't whine about anything today - that means no complaining eihter.
19. Today you are the forgiveness machine. If anyone wrongs you, forgive them right away. Chances are, most people who wrong you expect a fight or retaliation. Being the bigger person will probably throw them for a loop.
20. Today, surprise yourself. Do something you wouldn't normally do, just for you. Treat yourself to some quiet time in your favorite place to relax, eat a massive bowl of ice cream, listen to your favorite album from beginning to end, ask out that guy or girl you saw at the candle shop.
21. Financial responsibility day. Go to the bank and open up a savings account, or at least start up a piggy bank. Get in the habit of putting a few bucks away here and there. Examine your own beliefs, find an organization that reflects them, and give them some money.
22. "I Love You," Day! Why wait until Valentine's day 2006 to tell someone you love them. Answer the question "Where is the love?" by answering "It's right here!" If you love someone, tell them so.
23. Poverty, drug abuse/treatment, sexual violence, and many other social problems plague our society every day. Become an advocate in your church or school about a social problem that you would like to help remedy.
24. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of the dead and grieving in the wake of the Tsunami. Then, thank God in your own way for the gift of life you and your loved ones possess.
25. What better way to help out a friend then to ask God to give them a little extra consideration. Today, spend some time in prayer keeping a friend at the forefront of your heart.
26. Think of the biggest jerk you know. Think about all the rotten things that person has done and all of the horrible things that person stands for. Are you good and mad? Now pray for him or her to be a better person.
27. Dollar appreciation day! You can't get much for a buck these days in the United States. Find out how much a dollar is worth in Peru, Zambia, or Ethiopia. Then take that dollar and donate it to a charity that deals with that country or another social action group.
28. Lend a day to meals on wheels or visit a nursing home and hang out with folks who don't get out much. Bring a little sunshine into a generally gloomy place with your youthful, smiling face.
29. Unload the extras day. As consumers, many of us accumulate and hang on to "things" that we just plain don't need, much less use. Pick out some stuff (not crap) that someone else would enjoy or find useful. Target recipients: little siblings and/or their friends, your friends, outreach/social activities programs.
30. Not every discussion needs to be a debate. And not every point of view is completely wrong, even if you don't agree with it. Today, listen to other people's points of view and think about them with an open mind. In the end, your mind may not be changed, but you will at least gather insight into other people and where they're coming from.
31. We pass by churches and places of worship every day on our way to and from school, home, our friends' houses, the mall, and practice. Take a few moments to stop in and do what comes naturally, be it praying or simply sitting quietly and taking in the architechture and decoration.
32. In a peaceful time - in a notebook or in your head - examine your conscience and conception of right and wrong. Use this time as an opportunity to develop your relationship with your conscience further.
33. When it comes to other people's conflicts, it IS easier to not get involved. But being a peacemaker is a rare and necessary role that somebody has to play. Why shouldn't that somebody be you? Do your best to bring peace to times of conflict in the classroom, the hallway, and your home.
34. Turn off the noise day! Turn off the music, the TV, the radio, the cell phone, the computer, the...you get the idea. Enjoy the silence. See what it is that you find within it.
35. It's funny how we rarely tell the people around us how amazing they are. Find a way of telling a classmate or friend what a great job he or she has done on something or compliment something you acknowledge or respect about that person. A little compliment can go a long way.
36. We live in a competitive culture filled with judgement and stereotypes. Stop yourself when you find that you are making a generalized judgement or recognize how stereotypes influence the way you look at people. Once you are able to do this, you can start changing your mind - everyone is unique. There is no box into which a person will fit perfectly.
37. Living by example isn't necessarily something that just happens naturally. Make a concious decision to be a symbol of hope for those around you. Optimism is just as contagious as pessimism. So start there, show everyone that there is hope and you know it.
38. We spend a lot of time focusing on things outside of ourselves. Spend today focusing on yourself. Who are you? Who are you to others? Who are you when no one else is around? Write down what comes to mind and read it in a week.
39. Imagine peace.
40. Intergenerational day. You know how you and your friends look at the world, but there are people who have been here a lot longer than you. Talk to a Gen-Xer, a Baby Boomer, or someone even older and ask about the world of their day. Then talk about how they view today. See what you find.
1 comment:
jeremy- great info/ideas for lent, or any time of year. i am so glad that you have started this site, cuz i really like it! mcw
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