STEP: STudent Ecumenical Partnership

A Lenten sacrifice

Katie Griffin When I was young, I used to observe Lent in the way most children do. I would observe Lent by giving something up, like my friends did, just to see if I could make it. We would give things up like chocolate or caffeine. One time, I even tried to give up watching TV (apparently not a very good idea at the time, as it didn't last that long). Most of the time, I staunchly followed the plan … for about a week. I refused to give in to the temptations of that which I had sworn to myself I would not partake in. Then, the Hershey Kisses would begin calling my name all the way from the candy bowl sitting on a shelf in the kitchen cabinet. These cravings would eventually give way to my secretly sneaking a Kiss from the jar when no one was watching. Until, to my surprise, I discovered that someone was indeed watching. So, the "cat was out of the bag."

While my observance of Lent often ended as abruptly as the scene described above, I jokingly reassured myself that if Jesus had ever had a Hershey bar, he never would have made it through Lent either.

For the past several years, for whatever reason, I have chosen not to observe Lent. This year, however, I feel called to observe this tradition once again. It will not necessarily be conducted in a manner typical of those who follow the tradition itself.

This year, I have decided to give up meat. I have never felt strong ties to the consumption of meat itself, so I don't anticipate any problems with giving up the act itself. For a picky eater such as myself, the problem often lies in a lack of alternatives. Being a vegetarian has always been something that I have greatly admired and respected. I have often considered "taking the plunge" and giving up meat entirely, however, I often feel as if I do not have the resources or the will necessary to continue such a commitment.

So, such an experiment in observance of Lent seems to be the perfect opportunity. Such an observance requires a commitment for only a specified amount of time. Of course, if one feels called to extend the observance past that of Lent itself, a decision to continue such a commitment would be encouraged.

Lent itself seems to be saying, "Try it, perhaps you'll like it. However, there isn't any pressure. If nothing else, you mind will be opened and your perspective changed. These are good things. Go for it!"

Katie Griffin is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Evansville, Indiana.



		A Lenten sacrifice When I was young, I used to observe Lent in the way most children do. I would observe Lent by giving something up, like my friends did, just to see if I could make it. We would give things up like chocolate or caffeine. One time, I even tried to give up watching TV (apparently not a very good idea at the time, as it didn't last that long). Most of the time, I staunchly followed the plan … for about a week. I refused to give in to the temptations of that which I had sworn to myself I would not partake in. Then, the Hershey Kisses would begin calling my name all the way from the candy bowl sitting on a shelf in the kitchen cabinet. These cravings would eventually give way to my secretly sneaking a Kiss from the jar when no one was watching. Until, to my surprise, I discovered that someone was indeed watching. So, the "cat was out of the bag." While my observance of Lent often ended as abruptly as the scene described above, I jokingly reassured myself that if Jesus had ever had a Hershey bar, he never would have made it through Lent either. For the past several years, for whatever reason, I have chosen not to observe Lent. This year, however, I feel called to observe this tradition once again. It will not necessarily be conducted in a manner typical of those who follow the tradition itself. This year, I have decided to give up meat. I have never felt strong ties to the consumption of meat itself, so I don't anticipate any problems with giving up the act itself. For a picky eater such as myself, the problem often lies in a lack of alternatives. Being a vegetarian has always been something that I have greatly admired and respected. I have often considered "taking the plunge" and giving up meat entirely, however, I often feel as if I do not have the resources or the will necessary to continue such a commitment. So, such an experiment in observance of Lent seems to be the perfect opportunity. Such an observance requires a commitment for only a specified amount of time. Of course, if one feels called to extend the observance past that of Lent itself, a decision to continue such a commitment would be encouraged. Lent itself seems to be saying, "Try it, perhaps you'll like it. However, there isn't any pressure. If nothing else, you mind will be opened and your perspective changed. These are good things. Go for it!" Katie Griffin is a member of the Student Ecumenical Partnership (STEP) Leadership Team and is a member of Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Evansville, Indiana.