Dieting for Jesus

I'll admit, I'm new to the whole Lent thing.  As in, this is my first day.  Ever.

I mean, I didn't grow up in the church and then became a part of a series of churches who didn't really celebrate the Lenten season.  So Lent to me was fish fry Friday and people dieting for Jesus.  Seriously!  I have known so many people who have given up either sweets, sugar, fatty foods or unhealthy food for Lent.  And that is why before now, Lent has always gotten a bad rap in my book.  I never understood the beauty of sacrifice that had gotten forgotten by my many dieting acquaintances.

I'm sad that this preparation for Easter has turned into a diet.  That is such a shadow of what it was meant to be.  Besides, Shamrock Shakes are out right now...talk about a waste!  :)

So for the first time in my life, I'm celebrating Lent with Hubs.  It was actually all his idea.  And while I'm still not sure why fish doesn't count as meat, I'm pretty excited about it!  I love the focus on prayer, on the daily reminders of Christ's sacrifice.  I'm not loving the fact that I gave up coffee.  Let's just say that my 9am meeting was less than exemplary.  Also, I didn't know about the whole not getting to eat meat on Ash Wednesday (today) either, so I have a delicious piece of chicken pot pie that's been calling my name all day, while I try to ignore it.

And as beautiful as the idea of Lent is, I'm probably most thankful that it is something that Hubs and I get to do together to focus our hearts on Christ.  Every opportunity that we have to share our faith is something I treasure.