I’ve been observing Lent for decades. At first out of habit, now out of want for more of God. But it wasn’t until the last couple of years that I heard about Fat Tuesday.

Fat Tuesday. Not sure I really need to indulge all that much because I’ve been indulging for the last year so gorging on what I’m giving up doesn’t seem necessary. So what am I giving up? What am I NOT giving up is a better question. Here’s the what and why. Feel free to share yours in the comments.

Facebook and Twitter because they rob me of time and relationships.Whenever I get needy I run to the computer and tweet and click and search and wait for instant gratification. Needless to say, it isn’t instant, so I tweet and search and comment and wait sometimes wasting an hour or more, robbing myself of building real life relationships with God, family, and friends. So I’m taking the temptation away and trying to run to those closest when the urge for connection comes. Don’t worry, I’ll still be available by email (my facebook messages come to my email,) but the mindless, surfing will be cut off and hopefully I’ll get more done. Hopefully!

Food, okay, not all food, but specifically sweets, treats, simple carbs, junk food…you get the picture. I’ve tried to give these things up since January, but for some reason it’s easier to cut these out of my diet during Lent. Every time I reach for a piece of candy, the conviction hits hard, and I have the will power (through grace) to say no because I made a commitment not just to myself, but to God. I usually give up this stuff every year and don’t lose weight, but hopefully this year will be different since I’ve been really good about exercising. I’m hoping to make this a permanent life change.

I’m sure I’ll give more things up along the way as I notice what comes between me and God, but for now that’s enough and like I said I won’t be gorging myself today on these things. I’ll just go about my normal lack of self control, cause I really thinks that’s more than enough for Fat Tuesday.

How about you?

Do you observe Lent? Why or why not?

And what are you giving up for Jesus to make room for him?

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