Lent: Giving Up or Picking Up?

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” - Ecclesiastes 3:20

Happy Ash Wednesday, everyone! Lent is upon us. During this time, we sacrifice something for 40 days. Typically, we as people choose to give something up for the season, but is that the only thing we can do? After all, one can only give up junk food—and actually stick with it—so many times (guilty as charged).

Everyone is so used to giving something up for Lent, but no one ever really looks to pick anything up. By this, I mean picking up a new habit or challenging yourself to DO something rather than to NOT DO something. It’s good to give something up that has been distracting you or holding you back, but why not try and pick up a new habit? Or maybe replace that thing you gave up for something more productive or beneficial? For example, instead of scrolling through social media at night, maybe read for 10 minutes or journal for 10 minutes. Instead of checking your texts first thing in the morning, take 10 minutes to meditate, pray, or just sit in stillness and breathe. To my hoopers, dedicate an hour to watching and studying film or work on acquiring a new skill in your game that’s been lacking. This Lenten season, I challenge you all to either give something up or pick something up. It won’t be easy and temptations will arise, but the same way Jesus overcame the devils many temptations in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11), we too can resist our own temptations and fulfill this challenge. Write down what you want to give up and/or pick up, challenge yourself to stay the course for 40 days, track your progress, and hold yourself accountable. Whatever the sacrifice, big or small, flex that will power muscle and challenge yourself to stick with it everyday until Easter. Who knows, you might just gain a new habit out of it or get rid of a habit that no longer serves you. Good luck and may God be with you all this Lenten season!