Every year when Ash Wednesday rolls around Catholics have the tough decision of what to give up for Lent. Jesus gave up eating while being in the desert for 40 days, and we struggle with the thought of no chocolate? Honestly, it’s sad when you think about it. I don’t know about you, but every year I stress over what I should give up. Is it meaningful enough? Am I giving it up for selfish reasons for my own personal gain? Am I using the absence of whatever addiction I’m giving up to further my relationship with God? A lot of the time we give up something that will help us lose weight, or limit the amount of money we spend; but how often do we give something up that strengthens our relationship with Christ? Here are ten things that you can do that will help you enrich your relationship with God, and knowing that you gave something up that is more precious than a pound lost on the scale.
1. Say a rosary every night/morning.I know what you’re thinking, “Good idea, but that takes a while to say all of it…” But can you really not give up around an hour of your time to sit in prayer, especially during a time when you should be praying more? I know as a college student this can be tough to fit into your hectic schedule, but as someone who did this last year as a full-time student, it was so rewarding! Trust me, giving up watching one TV show to pray the rosary isn’t that hard.
2. Write a letter to someone who has influenced your life.
I’ve seen this on the internet before and I know it would be an enriching experience in so many ways. Each day of Lent you write a letter and give it to someone you look up to, or someone who has touched your life. As awesome as it is to write these letters, being on the receiving side and shocking someone with such a simple, but meaningful gift is a great thing to do during the Lenten season.
3. Only listen to Christian music in your car.
I know, the absence of Luke Bryan’s voice will be pretty sad. But give up music that focuses on things other than God. I did this one year in high school, and it actually can change your whole day. I always ended up in a better mood by the end of the day than when I started my ride to school listening to Miley Cyrus’s Bangerz album. Christian music can help remind you during a bad day that God is there, not only is Christian music a form of prayer; so technically you’re also praying more by listening to it, but it can change your whole attitude for the day. Ty it out!
4. Cutting out foul language.
If you’re someone who curses on a daily basis, try giving it up! Every time you catch yourself using foul language put a quarter in a jar. By the end of Lent, put all the money you have into your church’s Sunday offering basket. This way you are not only stopping a horrid habit, but you're giving back to your church; something you should be doing every week anyways.
5. Read a bible story each day.
How many of us really know the bible? I’m sure there are people out there giving something up for Lent, and they honestly don’t even know why. If that’s you don’t beat yourself up over it, but do something to change that. I’m not saying to read the whole bible during Lent; that would be pretty intense. But pick a story and read it. Whether it’s Noah’s Ark or The Wedding at Cana, take Lent to be a time to learn more about Jesus’s time on Earth, and his teachings for us to follow.
6. Pray for someone you don’t like.
Why pray for someone you can’t stand? Because it will help you not only let go of the hateful/unflattering feelings you have towards them, but it will help you let go of your past. Praying for someone you don’t like is a struggle, but it’s necessary to overcome your dislike for that person. It will also help you to love like God has told us to.
7. Go to Daily Mass.
A lot of us can’t do this one as we have school, work, or etc., but for those that can what a great thing to do! Give up an hour every morning to start your day off in a positive way while being in the presence of God.
8. Pick a Saint each week and learn about them.
This is a great thing for high school freshman and sophomores making Confirmation and who have no idea who they want as their Confirmation Saint. Each week pick a Saint and every day spend thirty minutes learning about them. Whether it’s searching google or reading a book about them, really learn about them and the works of mercy that they’ve done. Who knows, maybe by the end of Lent you will have found yourself a Confirmation Saint!
9. Go to Confession once a week.
As this is not something you would probably do every day, but is something that can not only make you feel more comfortable in going to Confession but can be a great way to strengthen your relationship with God.
10. Go to Adoration for 30 minutes to an hour every day.
A lot of church’s have 24-hour Adoration sessions, and if yours does not just spend this time in prayer in a quiet/peaceful place. You can read the bible, you can sit in prayer, or honestly some of the best moments in Adoration are not when you pray, but when you listen. Sit in silence and listen, God might be trying to tell you something, but you’re so busy always talking during your prayers that you don’t hear what he is trying to say.
Of course you can go big and give up your bed every night for the floor, or give up sweets, or even park in the back of a parking lot instead of right up front, as all these things are great and will make you appreciate them so much more, make sure what you’re giving up is enriching your relationship with God. Don’t pick something dramatic just so what you give up is better than what your best friend did. Give something up for Lent that is meaningful to you; not something for your own self-gain.
