The week before Ash Wednesday, D and I were discussing what we were going to give up for Lent. I usually go the meatless route, but with my newfound and newly-developing cooking skills, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to maneuver much if I went with that as a Lenten sacrifice. So I was at a bit of an impasse until D suggested dessert, at which point my heart froze...and I knew I'd found my choice.
I have an impossible sweet tooth. I need something sweet after breakfast, for goodness' sake. So giving up dessert has been difficult (and I fail miserably on occasion). But I start over again when I trip up (consciously or unconsciously), and I guess that's just part of the Lenten journey.
My sweet, innocent son also decided to give up something for Lent. Two things, in fact, despite my worried assurances that he didn't have to make the sacrifice. In retrospect, I should probably have wholeheartedly and unhesitatingly endorsed his desire, but at the time, I was thinking more along the lines of "He's only 6!!!"
He persevered, despite my lack of enthusiasm. And decided to give up drinking milk (he's still allowed the requisite bowl of cereal or two), and playing computer games. Now, playing computer games is not something he does very often at all, but milk is his favorite beverage by far. (Before you call me a bad mother for encouraging him to deprive himself of delicious nutrition, he takes more than enough Vitamin D in the sour gummy form. Don't ever doubt me again...) So I was quite impressed with his willingness to give up something he loves so very much.
Now I just have to make sure he knows why he's giving it up.
Happy Lent.
My slightly-insane life and times
