Let's give it up for...

As a child, I didn’t know what Lent was until my friend showed up with a smudge on her forehead and said that their priest suggested that to be a good Catholic, she should give up something pleasurable for 40 days, ending at Easter.

She didn’t want to do it, and neither did I, but every year, I pat myself on the back for even thinking about it.

I hate the idea of denying myself anything, especially when it comes to food. I’ve tried denying myself sugar, gone on and off keto ten times, counted carbs and calories, all with no measurable success. Then, on March 5th, (which was Ash Wednesday) I happened upon an article entitled, “Why Parisian women aren’t fat”. There were several factors that contributed to their very low obesity rate such as lots of walking, enjoying all food in moderation, portion control, eating 3 meals at set times with no snacking in between.

A light bulb moment! NO SNACKING! Surely I could deny myself this habit of grazing between meals for 40 days. Right?

But alas, I failed miserably, beginning on day 6.

I needed to change my mindset.

But it is my “mine-set” that needs changing.

What if I believed that I am a manager, not the owner of everything? What if my purpose is to be a good steward of everything that’s entrusted to me including my body and what I put into it? What if I refuse to believe that everything that comes my way is for my consumption? Perhaps, I should think of myself as a “wealth manager” and leverage everything I have for the advancement of the owner’s kingdom …my pantry and fridge…my closet…my second car…. spare bedroom….the extra pair of jeans. Or the hardest… not just 10% but all my money?

Every Christmas, I listen to Handel’s Messiah and lustily sing along,

“The kingdoms of this world have now become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and He shall reign forever and ever”.

The kings of this world would do well to remember this.

And when my fiercely Canadian heart is overwhelmed, I also would do well to remember.

By the way…

Did you know that “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name? It means “anointed” one or a divinely appointed leader. Over 2000 years after his inauguration, he is still followed by millions in every nook and cranny of the world.