give up or give out?

 

Once again, it is Lent. Traditionally Lent is when one gives up something in order to learn about what it means to sacrifice something, just as Jesus gave up His life for us. Usually we hear of those who gave up chocolate, beer or buying lottery tickets. Those are good endeavors and I do wish all of you well who plan on carrying this out.

However, how about instead of giving up something, maybe give something to another. How about a hug? A pleasant compliment? How about cleaning out your closets and donating what you don't need to someone who does? Give out kindness, give out love, give out your time to someone who you may otherwise ignore.

Give up? Please don't! Here's more ideas for you!

Give up ill words, gossip, give up feelings of envy or jealousy. Give up badmouthing another. Give up whatever addictions stand in the way of you and society. Give up grudges, give up feelings of superiority.

Have a fence to mend with a family member? Fix it.

It's all well and good to do something nice for yourself./ Losing weight is a good thing, but if it consumes much of your time, then you will have lost more than a few pounds. How much time do you sepnd on vanity? Who needs your time more?

Life is short. Real short. What you tell yourself can wait for tomorrow may never occur. We don't have tomorrow. We only have the here and now. Money won't buy you tomorrow. You can't trade for a tomorrow with someone else. You only have the moment that you are in today.

This Lent, make the most of today. Short, sweet, to the point. Go therefore..and make disciples...teaching them about God. The best way to spread encouragement, is to BE encouraging! Be the one who will make the most of the Lenten journey. Be an example for others to follow.