Thursday, February 18, 2010

Giving Up Giving Up

PhotobucketEvery year, I think I'll observe Lent, just to see what it's like. This year is no different. I have been pondering what I might be able to give up for 40+ days, and I have come to a conclusion. I'm giving up Lent. Why? Because I can. Because I'm a Methodist, and we don't give up anything. Ever. For any reason.

I don't care if my British ancestors WERE all Catholics. I'm not one, never have been, never will be. Of course, there might be Methodist churches somewhere whose members observe Lent, but since I'm not only a Methodist, I'm what daddy used to call a "backslidin'" Methodist. That means I rarely darken the doors, except for, maybe, weddings, funerals and the occasional Christmas Eve service.

The main reason that I'm not going to observe Lent is because, by George, I think I've given up quite enough in my life. So, there. I'm unrepentant. And, relieved, because I don't need all this unnecessary angst every year.

Stay tuned.

18 comments:

Linda said...

Betty , you are absolutely the best ever. You sing my song. I'm with you all the way.

Schmoop said...

I couldn't care care less about a guy in Rome with a funny hat and German accent, I give up stuff during Lent just to see how much avarice I have during the rest of the year. Cheers!!

Margie's Musings said...

I give up nothing!!! Nothing at all.

Kay Dennison said...

I don't always give up things for Lent and I am a Catholic (sue me!). Instead, sometimes I make a resolution to do things to make life better for others -- like help at my parish's soup kitchen for the duration of Lent.

And no one has ever told me I HAD to make a Lent resolution -- it's just a tradition to make sacrifices/resolutions because it is a season of penance.

One year my mom asked me what I was giving up for Lent and, smartass that I am, I told her that I was thinking of giving up my allowance for Lent but that would be like giving up nothing. Her reaction wasn't pretty.

Grayquill said...

No pain no gain - oh that's a sport cliche isn't it. Hmmm...what else do I have? Let me think...
Oh I can't think that's right I forgot I am a conservative.

Cazzie!!! said...

I think you will find whatever works for you. I know people who gave up lent..only then to go through with it the next year..therefore not giving up at all.
I am stayin' tined my friend :)

Betty said...

Linda: Thank you.

Matt-Man: I'm worried about you giving up bread. I'm not sure I could do that. I'd probably cheat.

Margie: Good for you!

Kay: I like your resolution, better than something that I'd have to give up.

Grayquill: For a conservative, you think pretty well. That's why I think you'll see the light some day and come over to the dark side. lol

Looking to the Stars said...

LOL, you are a hoot :)
I loved this post. I'm not Catholic either, my mother was and it was not good for her. But I believe there is a differance between Catholic and Roman Catholic, my mother was the latter.

Take care, thanks for the laugh :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Being an Episcopalian (which is a watered down Catholic) we never had to give up anything. That may have been left out in the "divorce clause" in Henry Vlll's time.
As a child I always admired those who gave up something though. I usually felt a bit left out and would often give up something for maybe a day.

Tincanman said...

Bravo! Good for you.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Ha. too funny. I love your attitude!!!!

Betty said...

Cazzie: I'm pretty sure I'm over the urge to give up anything. lol

Looking to the Stars: You're welcome.

Arkansas Patti: I was wondering if Episcopalians observed Lent. Thanks for the info.

Tincanman: Thank you.

Sarah: Thanks for coming by.

NitWit1 said...

Although I'm not a Methodist, nor do observe Lent, I have tons of Methodist friends and they agree they don't give up anything. Hurrah for them.

At my age I've given up too much by necessity of physical or financial constraint, so my list of "do withouts" is only a few lines. I could not survive over Lent!

NitWit1 said...

Although I'm not a Methodist, nor do observe Lent, I have tons of Methodist friends and they agree they don't give up anything. Hurrah for them.

At my age I've given up too much by necessity of physical or financial constraint, so my list of "do withouts" is only a few lines. I could not survive over Lent!

Betty said...

NitWit1: There's really nothing else I can give up, either.

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Deanna said...

Unfortunately, giving up doesn't work for me. So I don't try. I'm giving up giving up.

sewa mobil di surabaya said...

all people in this world should be experienced frustration and abandon life, because it's mind all the roads are full, and there is no solution to the problem of the person or someone already fed up with all kinds of everyday life and at work, or in the Church, you must realize and understand more reasonable again, everyone should have in their lives, and it was natural that cannot be avoided, if someone is bored with his life, something that happens, the destruction and misery in your life, your career, your plan you have build for many years to disappear in the blink of an eye. and this is silly and stupid things in human life. so keep it in a bright and lively, and does not easily give up just because of the small problems