Lenten Sacrifice - To give up or to take on?

You might have noticed the sudden increase of activity on the blog. I know I've been absent for a while. And while I would like to blame others, for example, my father who would harass me daily about my lack of posting, it is my own fault. Before going home for ten days at the beginning of February, I was a bit distracted. I didn't take advantage of my free weekends, choosing instead to spend my time Skyping with family and friends. But as I said here, no more. I'm breaking that pattern and enjoying this time I have left in Germany, considering it's almost half over.

When I was a kid, Lent was always easy. I would give up cokes, sweets, fast food. Things that I might enjoy, but nothing that is ever too much of a sacrifice. Then I grew up, and I'm not talking about my growth spurt during senior year, I mean my spiritual maturity. Without turning this simple post into a novel, I'll give you a short summary of my Catholic history.

When I was 7 and younger, mass was a blur. I remember lots of organ music, being bored, and wishing I was sleeping instead. At 8 I received my first communion, at the time I didn't realize how amazing it was, but I remember vividly wishing I could go back and ask for seconds; it was just so yummy! Then comes some more blurry years, until I was 13 or so. I knew mass was boring, and my friends churches were more fun. There were less rules, more upbeat music, and a drum set in their church band. A drum set, how cool is that! So when I was 14 or 15 I told my mom I wasn't going to get confirmed, and that I didn't want to be Catholic anymore. Momma Bear wasn't having it, and she (thankfully) didn't give me a choice. So I got confirmed at 16 and have continued to grow in my faith since then. In college I joined a Catholic sorority and became friends with so many beautiful women who helped me grow in my faith. 

Around that time, I realized what Lent really was all about. Instead of giving up something that barely challenged me for somewhat selfish reasons, I started to take something on each year for Lent. Things that would help me grow as a person and grow closer to God. One year I went to mass every Sunday as well as three additional days per week. That was probably one of my favorite Lenten sacrifices. 

Unfortunately there is not an accessible church I can get to easily enough in Germany for me to do this again this year. I've committed to increasing my prayer life on my personal time. While in Germany, I've been praying more and I've really enjoyed the increase of "Jesus time." This might not seem like much of a sacrifice, but it is, trust me. I must admit church in Germany is cool in that I know it's the exact same service my family goes to at home, which makes me feel connected to them and Catholics around the world. Church in Germany is not cool in that I don't know enough German to understand the Homily and am unable to make any personal connection to what is being preached. I'm even looking into finding some English speaking services. Thanks mostly to this website.  

To ensure I stuck to what I said about breaking my old patterns, I pledged to do something new each weekend during this year's Lent. Hopefully this new habit will carry over even after Lent is over. I want to take advantage of living in an area of such rich history and culture. Who knows when I will be back in Europe, so I want to make as many memories as I can while I can.

So between my increase of blogging, my commitment to attending (hopefully English) mass and trying new things, I think that will eat up a good portion of my free time. I'm excited to see how well I stick to my Lenten pledges this year!

What about you? Did you give up something for Lent? If you're feeling generous, I'd love it if you'd leave a comment!