It’s the season of Lent. As a former Catholic, now Episcopalian, we use to give up something for Lent. As a kid, I gave up things like chocolate, candy, playing video games. At the end of the 40 days, I would have been rewarded–an Easter basket full of candy/chocolate, a new video game, my favorite flavored potato chips if that’s what I gave up.
Several years ago, I had dinner with one of the bishops. It was a Sunday and as dessert was being passed around, I declined stating I gave it up for Lent. The bishop had turned to me and said something to the effect that Sundays don’t count, that we could have the thing we gave up on Sundays.
My partner explained to me that he didn’t believe in giving up anything for Lent because we just went back to it after Easter. Instead he was more pro-active. He would read a self-help book, or would pray more, something he thought would better himself. The argument was is it really a sacrifice? Was giving up something only to go back to it really helping? I guess it could have shown some self control, but I think he had a point.
I miss him. And I now he’s in a better place. I continue to ponder many of his ideals and think, my life was better because of him.