Giving up things for Lent or giving up Lent

So, I was never really raised to "give up" things for Lent. I was always taught that Jesus gave up his life for me so I wouldn't have to put down the fork, spoon or knife for 40 days. However, this year, I decided it could help me get in the mood for Denver.

My life, as previously mentioned, is about to get crazytown. I decided there would be no bigger sacrifice than giving up caffeine. However, I have found in working this morning shift that if I don't have my morning cup of Chai Tea, then I end up not eating breakfast at all. Or, if I do get hungry on the drive to work, I end up pulling into the McDonald's drive-thru and munching on some sodium-filled treat. So, in other words, giving up caffeine is not only illogical, it's not healthier. Kind of ironic.

But, one thing I could give up is soda. I only sparingly drink soda. I don't think I'm addicted. In fact, I only crave the taste more than I crave the need for speed. So, then I started thinking, "why am I giving up things at all?"

I mean, Lent is supposed to display your discipline and your full understanding that even though it may be difficult for you to give up cheese for 40 days, it wasn't as difficult as dying on the cross. That's the point, right?

So, this whole "Lent" idea is more difficult of a decision than I thought. I had to step back and really dissect what my "addictions" or "vices" are. I would say my guiltiest pleasure is junk television. I watch Bravo more than a housewife ever should and I love ABC dramas more than I love a good meal. So, I considered giving up those.

Then I realized that if I gave up those, I would have no hobby. Also, sometimes I miss my shows or forget they were even on, so maybe that isn't as necessary to my happiness as I had thought.

After thinking of a few other disproven vices, I started thinking deeper.

I wish Lent was a time when we could, instead of giving up things, start things. I wish we could treat Lent the way America treats New Year's Eve. We could start running more, start cooking healthier meals, start reading more books. If Jesus already made the ultimate sacrifice, couldn't I use this sacrifice as inspiration to do something awesome? To make something better with my life? I know that's how we should always live, but maybe people need a date, time or place to inspire them for greatness.

All in all, I still plan on not drinking soda for Lent. But, in turn, I also plan to make a "resolution" of sorts. Brandan really wants to run/ride the Muddy Buddy with me in Boudler, Colorado. My Lent-resolution will be that I will start training for that once I move. Sure, it's delayed. But life is more than 40 days.