The majority of Christians use the Lenten season to prepare their hearts for Christ's death. This Lent some classmates and I have decided to keep a journal for the purposes of accountability and camaraderie. We each have chosen our own things/practices/etc... to give up or pick up. So this is my Lenten Journal. I don't actually believe that Jesus is the Christ, so then why would I need to go through the ritual of Lent? I don't need to. So why do I do it? I do it to practice a bit of discipline. And to become closer to God.
I used to not pay attention at all. And I used to feel the guilt that comes with being a bad Christian. Last year, however, I was having a few health difficulties so I made a change. I gave up alcohol. It wasn't like I was a huge drinker to begin with, but I figured this was as good a time as any to try and reset my liver. It worked. My tolerance dropped drastically. My health seemed to pick up. I went about my business as usual after Lent was over. But I did realize the difference in not doing something because I don't believe it rather than not doing something because I don't see the point. I also saw the purpose in doing something even if you don't see the point of it.
I actually felt like I was missing out on something all those years I didn't practice Lent. As I mentioned earlier, I don't believe that Jesus is the Christ, so Easter has no real meaning to me. So again, why practice Lent?
This year Will and I have agreed to give up buying. That's right. We are checking out of the consumer game. If we need anything, then it's up to thrift stores and freecycle.com. With the attitude of doing something for a purpose, we concluded that not giving money for things we don't need is very purposeful. I've gained a purpose, and by such I feel closer to God. When I finish this Lenten season, I don't expect the lack of my funds to change the capitalistic practices of the western world, but I do expect to feel fulfillment.
So while I may not be any closer to believing in "the reason for the season," I believe I will be closer to God.
