40 Days of Water

Today is the beginning of my favorite liturgical season. Lent is here! Lent, is the preparation time leading up to Easter. It's a call to remember our reliance on Christ, similar to Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. It's common during this time to give something up. I have had a habit of adding something to my schedule (reading my bible, praying, volunteering somewhere new). This will be the first year since high school that I actually give something up in the way of self-denial.

This year (last night actually) I finally decided to take the plunge. I had been thinking about it and fighting it all week. After realizing what a battle this was, I figured it was exactly what I was being called to do. I am giving up purchasing/partaking in any beverages other than water. What the WHAT? Yes! This mean coffee and soda and beer. I already have a headache today. It might be the caffeine withdraw already, but it might also be because my hair is in a tight bun on top of my head.

Tonight should be interesting. For the past 2 years, every Wednesday is Happy Hour night at the spot. Tonight will be the first time ever I don't order a drink. I'm seriously stressed out thinking about it. Why do I feel like I have to drink at happy hour? Why do I  care that my friends might judge me for not drinking?

On top of the giving up of beverages I felt like I needed something else to complete the circle this year. So I found an organization that will help in this. Blood:Water Mission does en event every year combining giving up anything but water for lent and donating money to a worth cause. So for the dollar value of every drink I give up I will donate the same amount to them. They are doing great things to get people all over the world clean drinking water. What a life-giving worthy cause!

Consider joining me. Do you practice Lent? What are you giving up?