Lent is right around the corner, and, as always, I've found myself dreading the forty days prior to Easter. Seven Fridays and one Wednesday that I have to abstain from eating meat. Forty days that I have to give up something I love. Sigh. Yet, as I'm writing and thinking these things, I realize I've forgotten the meaning behind the Lenten season. Why do we even celebrate Lent?

First off, those forty days I've been dreading are celebrated to imitate Jesus' forty day fast in the wilderness (Mathew 4:1-2). If He can give up food for forty days, we surely can give up chocolate, smoking, or sodas for forty days and meat for eight days. These forty days are meant to prepare us for Easter. We're meant to reflect on what Jesus gave up for us, and the sacrifice He made upon the cross. My forty day Lenten sacrifice pales in comparison.

I think over the years I've forgotten why Lent is important. I shouldn't be giving up something easy just to get the forty days over with. I should be giving up or taking on something that makes me a better version of myself, to strengthen my relationship with Christ as I reflect on all He's done for me. Last year I wrote an article about stereotypical things to give up for Lent without realizing that people give up those stereotypical things because they're easy. This year I'm taking on and giving up something that will help me to grow spiritually. That way, come Easter, I will be ready to receive the Eucharist and recognize it's importance.

This season isn't a season about dreading giving up meat or something else "important" to me. It's a season in which I can celebrate that I'm able to only give up those things because of His sacrifices.