We have entered into the church season of Lent, a time to consider our sin and the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. During this season, I am in the habit of giving up something that will constantly remind me of the reason for this season. I try to make it something powerful and meaningful, something I will miss everyday. In the past I've given up soda, television, even fasted for the season of Lent.
This year I am trying something a little different. I have given up shopping and purchasing anything that isn't necessary for life sustainment (food, bills, gas, etc.) or for ministry. I haven't put the full stop on food shopping, but I am also trying to eat food that is already in the house first rather than buying more. I have also allowed for using Gift Cards I received at Christmas since that's money that was already spent.
I'm also giving away/throwing away/recycling one item in my house for each of the 40 days of Lent.
I can be honest in saying I sort of thought this was going to be a walk in the park. No shopping; No biggie. Getting rid of stuff; easy peasy. I don't have a lot of money to spend, so if I do go shopping, I do a lot of window shopping until I find exactly what I want. Sure, I have way too many clothes, and I am a sucker for a bargain. But I don't feel like I willy-nilly spend money I shouldn't.
I was WRONG.
I am a week and a half in and I am feeling the loss. Apparently, the compulsion to buy things happens all the time. I get the Groupon email with these deals and I look longingly at them every day. I have had to do shopping for our Silent Auction, but keeping that shopping to just what we are using for the Auction is like pulling against a magnet. I just want to look at the watches, at the shoes, at the whatever. I want a new book on my Nook. I have one more thing to get to finish redecorating the bathroom. I like stuff WAY more than I should.
Suddenly, I feel the need to post this publicly because frankly, I'm going to need the support. I have a feeling it's going to be a long, hard Lent and a time to let go of the physical things that hold me back. My prayers are that Lent is a powerful time for you as well.
Note to my future husband: Apparently, I like to shop. I apologize in advance for buying all sorts of stuff we don't need. I really hope you are good with a budget.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Giving up the "stuff" for Lent
Posted by Dutch not German is at 3/18/2011
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2 comments:
I think giving up shopping is a great thing to do for Lent. And perhaps one of the great things is it has pointed out how much you love stuff (we all love stuff). But we don't really need stuff, Jesus told the rich man to sell all his possessions and come follow Him. When sending out the disciples He told them not to bring much with them. It seems Jesus doesn't want out lives cluttered with things that distract us from Him. I'm guessing you'll feel more focused and less distracted and more enriched when Lent is over. I may just have to give up shopping for 40 days too (I have processed food for lent, this is also proving to be more difficult than I first thought!) I enjoyed your blog!
Blessings,
Carla
www.3-foldcord.com
Hello,
I am a new blogger (http://yesindeedee.blogspot.com)and was "next blog(ing)" when I came across this blog. I enjoy your blog.
I like Lent, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It makes Easter that much better...
I wanted to give up something different for Lent, so I gave up facebook (and believe me I was addicted). Best thing I ever did.
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