Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, and also choose to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others.
Many students at Providence Academy have decided to give up something for Lent. ” I decided to give up cookies at lunch because I get two or three a week and thought I would challenge myself,” says Carolyn Tomashko ’18.
Food is often the common thing people give up, but others decide there are other avenues to grow closer to God. “I gave up social media, like Snapchat and Instagram. This is gonna be really tough because those are the only two apps I really use,” says Elsa Feltl ’19.
Just like Elsa’s tough decision to give up social media, Grace Baird ’19 also gave up something she uses often. “I get Starbucks every day and have been for along time. But this season I really wanted to see if I could commit to my decision of giving up Starbucks every day. I will be really proud if I last,” says Grace.
After the season, the students who have chosen to give up something often have a reward for themselves. “I gave up all candy, and anything chocolate, so after Lent is done I have decided I am having a whole day of just eating chocolate and candy,” says Mark Richelsen ’19.
Throughout this month it is important for students and teachers to realize that giving up something, even a tiny thing, grows your relationship with the Lord. Lent is an opportunity for self-evaluation and sacrifice, so I encourage that the ones that gave up something, to not give up and grow in your relationship with God.