Giving Up
(During Lent, we have invited members of the Peace of Christ Church Community to share their own reflections, stories, or poetry about what Lent means to them. This Reflection comes from Miles O’Neal.)
For years, what I gave up for Lent was Lent. It wasn’t an active thing; I just quit thinking about it. Growing up Lutheran, and meaning it until my late teens, I understood what Lent was about. But I became disillusioned with the liturgical church and gave up on most of its practices. Not so much intentionally, but more like I just quit thinking about it. Years later, I felt God call me to fast during a few Lenten seasons (coffee was the hardest, chocolate surprisingly the easiest), but otherwise, I blew it off like an 8AM calculus class on a gorgeous, spring day.
Then I came to Peace of Christ and began again to see value in the Church calendar and liturgy. In particular, I have begun to feel a special fondness for the seasons from Advent through Easter. This, of course, includes Lent - and not just because my favorite color is purple!
This year, I am intentionally giving up giving up - at least the thoughtless and lazy sort. When I give something up, I want it to be intentional, whether because I don’t believe it’s needed or good, or because I have decided it’s no longer worth the effort. I want to give up things to make room for better things. I want to give up trying to gain someone’s love, respect, or whatever they might be withholding or simply not caring about. I want to give up being less than. I want to give up believing lies. I want to give up letting the system define me.
I also want to give up working for a living, but that will have to wait a bit longer since I can’t justify robbing banks.
One can find peace in any form of giving up, but there’s a deep peace in intentionally giving up. It turns out I really like peace. Thus, I give up giving up. For Lent this year, to infinity, and beyond!
Miles O'Neal is a husband, father, pastor, author, bass player, cyclist, native Texan, geek, desert rat, beach lover, hippie, weirdo, and occasionally a dragon. He enjoys good books, good food, good coffee, good music, and hugs. He wants you to remember you are awesome and loved.