Lent

Today is Fat Tuesday. Did you know that for centuries, people abstained from meat during the forty days - hence the name Carnival, which is Latin for farewell to meat.

It reminds me of what we at Weight Watchers call The Last Supper. Gorge yourself and clean out the cabinets (by eating, not throwing away!) of all the stuff that will jeopardize your success.

Lent, a time of self-reflection, soul searching. We're reminded of Jesus and his time in the wilderness for forty days, the sacrifices he made during that time and the ultimate sacrifice that soon followed.

Perfect timing with my seventh graders. I asked them to try and give up something for forty days. Anne and the rest of the group had to do without for much longer; let's see if they can.

As for me, I'm going to give up soft drinks, chocolates, and biting my nails. I'm going to include drinking more water (uck!).

I'd like to think that I'm making a conscious effort to become a more dedicated servant everyday, not just these next forty. Although it will be hard for me to give up my vices for the next forty days, I fear that I would fail a real test of wills. God forgive me, but could I, would I, give up talking to my family for forty days? Would I give up my job to go on a missionary trip? Am I saying, "Oh Lord, I want to be your servant but on my terms"? Isn't rededicating myself more than promising not to skip church anymore?

How is not biting my nails, drinking soft drinks, or eating chocolates rededicating myself?

I think of it in the same way I think of projects for my students. No, they'll never truly understand the suffering of Anne Frank or the other six million Jews, but I hope I give them a taste, no matter how brief. My will power will be tempted sorely, but I'll never truly understand the anguish Jesus suffered. But maybe it'll be enough of a taste to help me truly appreciate what he has given me.