Is It Too Late For Lent?

I tried to fast with my church for Lent this year.  It lasted a day.

I tried to refrain from saying anything negative to Jeff.  That lasted three days.

Then I just gave up.

Maybe it’s because I have no discipline.  Maybe it’s because I’m feeling a little stubborn with God these days, and I just don’t feel like spending forty days focused on what a wretched sinner I am.  Or maybe it’s because my daddy died in November.  I’m already in mourning.  Do I really need to do anything extra to remember how broken the world is?

Whatever the reason, I’ve felt increasingly anxious about not observing Lent.  I know from previous years, that I need Lent to appreciate Easter.  So I put aside the feeling that only losers start Lent on Palm Sunday, prayed for guidance, and made a plan.

Until Easter, I am giving up a list of foods that I often substitute for God.  And each night Jeff, the kids, and I will tell the story of Easter from a Godly Play story, The Faces of Easter.  It’s intended for Lent, but with seven cards, it works well for Holy Week.  Finally, we’ll invite friends for a seder on Friday night.

Christians who hold seders on Good Friday often chirp, “Jesus was Jewish, you know!”

So was my daddy. When I dip the celery in salt water, I wont’ have to remember the salty tears of my ancestors; I’ll be crying them.  For my daddy.  For the world.  And for the God who died for me.  Which is probably all the Lent I can handle this year.