Enveloped in a busy couple of months of setting up my new apartment, fervent grant writing, and dutiful studying for the bar exam, I confess I have neglected my dear blog. So, I thought I'd stop in and offer a few reflections as I prepare for this season of Lent.
This year, I have decided to give up meat. The last time I gave up meat for Lent was my freshman year of college. It was a significant experience for me on a number of levels. Spiritually, I had a reminder multiple times per day of my dependence on God. Personally, I learned a lot about nutrition and how to make healthy choices for myself. Deliciously, I discovered hummus.
After going 40 days without meat, I didn't feel a particular desire to become a vegetarian, but it did challenge my childhood conditioning that a meal has to be centered around meat. To this day, I don't eat very much meat--probably most often when I go out to eat, or am home with my family.
An additional inspiration for giving up meat this year is my boyfriend, Alan, who is a vegetarian. (Hi, Alan!) We've been sharing a lot of meals, even cooking some together, so it will dovetail nicely, providing me with some extra encouragement.
I will also be taking on some spiritual practices during Lent. I plan on praying the Rosary each evening, because my prayer life has been a little lackluster lately. I also want to read at least one of the Catholic books sitting on my shelf--possibly The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything by Fr. James Martin. You might recognize the name if you're a regular viewer of The Colbert Report, as Fr. Jim is the chaplain of the Colbert nation. Indeed, he was on the program just last night, discussing the resignation of the Pope:
The Colbert Report
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Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive
What are you giving up for Lent?
