Lent.... Gasp

This year, as Lent was approaching, I was thinking about possibly, maybe, I don't know- giving up something for Lent. I've never given up anything for Lent before. For some reason, this year, I'm feeling like observing Lent- as far as forty days with/without something important to me is concerned.

What brought it to mind yesterday was reading a post by someone who is giving up desserts for Lent. I found myself thinking, "That would be easy." And, it would. I don't rely on desserts to get me through the day so I could easily picture emptying the house of 'desserts' and taking a vacation from that part of the meal. Which led me to thinking that if I'm going to give up something for Lent, I need to dig a little deeper. And, what came to mind, causing me to gasp in horror?

Popcorn. (Those of you who know me just gasped, too. Didn't you?)

Pop Secret Homestyle Popcorn to be specific.

So I kept this crazy idea to myself until my husband came home. Then I did something regrettable. I told him that I was thinking of giving up popcorn for Lent. Gasp. He didn't gasp. He just told me that we don't observe Lent. My darling husband gave me an out. I told him that I wanted to do something and giving up popcorn felt terrifying/right to me. Gasp.

So, nothing more was said about Lent or popcorn until this morning, when I was driving the kids to school. Someone on the radio made a comment about not being addicted to Pac Man and Nathanael wanted to know what addicted meant. I told him that it was when you wanted or needed something desperately, as if your life depended on it. I said that when you are addicted to something you want it all the time. To which he replied, "You're giving up popcorn for Lent!"
(He spent Monday evening with his Dad. Apparently they discussed my giving up popcorn for Lent. Do you think they were placing bets? Were they betting on whether or not I'd last the whole forty days? Or, were they wondering how quickly I'd descend into madness?)

So there you have it. I'm giving up popcorn for Lent.

Nathanael, my sweet, sweet boy, said that he was going to give up candy for Lent. I was kind of surprised but I told him that was fine. I did warn him to really think about it. I explained to him a little about Lent and it's relationship to Easter and Jesus and told him that he had to make a serious commitment and that it should be something important, but not necessary, to him. He then said he'd give up toys. Gasp. Then he said he'd give up fruit snacks. (He likes fruit snacks like I like popcorn.) Gasp, gasp. I told him to think about it and I'd ask him in the morning what he decided. What a sweetie!!!

I've also decided that we will be giving up Sunday morning donuts as a family during this time. My popularity plummeted with this announcement but the character that is sure to developed will be thanks enough! :D

Will you be giving up (or adding) something for Lent?