by Mary Essiet                                            Nigeria                                         21.03.2016

The forty days of Lent for this year had long begun.  A sacred period of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. How has it been so far for you?  I hope you’ve been following the MMM Lenten reflection series.  If not, please sign up here:
https://mailchi.mp/e7e80904edfb/6e7l5u5w9d

As part of the central theme of the season, it is common practice for people to give up something as a form of fasting. Beyond the prayers and almsgiving, everywhere you turn, someone is encouraging that we give up something for Lent- snacking between meals, a luxurious lifestyle, the beautiful clothes lying dormant in the wardrobe for some time now, and whatever else you can think of.  All these sacrifices are so we can create room for others who do not have the opportunity to also experience and enjoy the basic things of life.

Now, because you’ve heard so much about abstinence, ‘Forty things to give up for Lent’, I’m not writing to repeat them.  Rather, I write to introduce you to another concept – taking up.  I suppose you’ve been practicing it already.  Maybe just not in a grand style.

For some of us, when we attempt to abstain from something during Lent, there’s a void and sometimes we are unable to handle this void so what do we do?  We replace it with another thing.  You know, cut down on social media time and replace it with more Netflix time.  The same Joe, minor difference.  Now, instead of only giving up something for Lent, think of it as a way to build all those beautiful habits you’ve been planning on for ages.  A beautiful way to fill the void, right?

Don’t get it wrong, this is an addition in every sense of it. You do not stop giving up because you want to add up.  Moreover, picking up means putting down so it will make more sense that both go hand in hand.

What if, in addition to cutting down on your social media time, you create room for prayers, reading of the Scripture and forming meaningful connections with God?   What if, in addition to not using negative words on yourself, you start gratitude journalling?  What if, in addition to avoiding unnecessary spending, you added generosity?

As the season unfolds, ask yourself not only “what am I giving up?” but also “what am I adding up?”.

Wishing you a rewarding Lenten season.