During Lent I am often troubled with what to give up. Nothing ever quite seems “right” or significant enough. I personally do better with giving to others and doing more of something. It stretches my heart, increases my level of empathy, and gives me sincere gratitude for all the things I’ve been given: oppose to, an act of “giving up” say; chocolate, which does not in fact stretch me beyond these walls.
I encourage you to do whichever is going to help you grow spiritually. If fasting from a given item, thing, food, or habit does then by all means do that – but, if you are like myself and the fuel that feeds your soul is “doing” then get moving and act today; what are you waiting for? It’s not too late!
“40 Things to Give Up or Give Forward”
Give up sugar drinks (pop/soda, juice)
Eat no or minimally processed foods
Give up trying to be perfect; God doesn’t expect perfect. He wants you to take action, build strength, and learn from failure.
Give up eating out
Give up your fears; pray for strength, wisdom, and growth. May your fears be cast aside and the next 40 days prepare you to let your wings spread wide open.
Television
Make a point to eat together at every meal (Be sure to register for your FREE Table Talk Starters for some great family discussion)
Have a whining/complaining jar “do all things without complaining” if one fails they in turn pay a quarter. All monies shall be donated at the end of Lent.
Give up social media
Implement no electronics after a given time of day (this includes phone use)
Give up coffee, tea, or alcohol
Ice cream, cakes, and cookies
Go vegetarian for 40 days or give up all red meat. Who knows you might just like it.
Give up cheese and other dairy products
Turn the radio off in the car during lent. Use the time to talk with your family, pray, and reflect.
Give up snacking after dinner
Give up the need to impress others. Be you and do it well!
Give up gossip, drama, and making comparisons. We all have a purpose, a drive, a mission to be fulfilled. Encourage others and share your story.
Be the “GIFT” of Lent (Give it forward for 40)
Make care packages for homeless
Bake cookies for a the firehouse
Clean out closets and donate gently used items to those in need
Make blankets for a local women/children shelter
Purchase new books and stuffed animals for the pediatric cancer unit
Send flowers to an old friend
Take your kids to a nursing home to play games with the residents
Go on a nature hike in your neighborhood and pick up garbage along the way
Make a meal for a new mom
Donate canned food to a local pantry
Host a can drive and donate all money to the local humane society or animal rescue
Make cards and jam for an elderly neighbor
Invite someone over you would like to get to know better for tea/coffee and donuts. Friendships don’t just happen you must initiate them.
Babysit for a friend’s kid(s) free of charge
Sign up for a marathon. Train during lent and start your fundraising campaign.
Give a just because gift to your mail carrier, the librarian, and doctors office to show your appreciation for them.
Volunteer at a local soup kitchen
Make encouraging book marks and leave them in library books for others to find.
Use your talents to teach others. Teach someone to sew, cook, or read.
Make a point to be generous to others through a cheerful smile, a simple act (hold the door), or letting someone cut in line. Wear your heart on your sleeve and put your pride in your pocket.
