The Lenten Challenge

I have struggled for years on the concept of Lent. I remember being a young child wondering why all the adults were talking about giving up something for Lent. Of course I was thinking just pick the lent out of your belly and throw it a way.
The concept of Lent has been around for centuries. The idea of giving up something for a period of time, sort of a fast if you will.

I have experienced people giving up donuts and chocolate so they might fit into the bathing suit for spring break and others have given up something special like TV, which would be a true sacrifice in my opinion.
I have been since challenged to meditate on what Lent is ment to be for me.

I have come to the conclusion that this season is to be focussed on Christ. If I would give up something that I desire and consume alot of, then take that time to focus energies and attention to my relationship with Christ.

I have asked several friends across the country of their ideas of Lent.
Some unique and possibly successful things are:
1. Say and or do something nice for someone each day.
2. Secretly, do some random acts of kindness to strangers.
3. Keep a jounral of your experiences.
4. Give up the internet... ouch
5. Give your allowance or spending money to your church.
6. Try to spend the time you would be watching TV to read a good book or listen to worship music.

I am sure other ideas could be added to this list. The challenge I throw out is to focus attention this season doing something that would be a new sacrifice to you that would bless someone too.

Whatever you do in the Lent season, do it in reverence to Christ.