March 8th, 2017

As I mentioned before, I gave up meat for Lent (more on that here). And let me tell you, it has not been easy. You wouldn't realize it (or even really think about it), but meat is literally everywhere. Grabbing some fast food on the way home? Prepare for a menu that is 95% meat. Going out to a restaurant? Enjoy your limited options in the soup, salad, and pasta section. Headed to someone's house for dinner? Better make sure to check what's on the menu for the night—otherwise you might end up just sitting there hungrily watching everyone else eat (or maybe, if you're lucky, you'll have some unfulfilling sides to munch on).

But. I am thankful for the difficultly. I am thankful for the challenge. Eating foods without meats is really helping me to focus on the humility of Christ. I am constantly thinking about Him. About what He did for us. This hardship that I am going through (which I will only be going through for about another month) is nothing in comparison to the hardships He went through. What I am giving up is nothing in comparison to what He gave up—what He gave up for all of us. I have a constant feeling of thankfulness (not that I wasn't thankful before!). I have always been aware of His presence and influence in my life, but that realization is even more now.

I feel even more connected to Him as I go about my day. Obviously, He is always supposed to be on our minds, in our heart, reflected in our words and actions, etc. However, we all know that this is not always the case—no matter how hard we try. We get distracted by daily tasks, worries, plans, and so on. When I go through this minor action of abstaining from meat, it helps remind me how God loved me so much that he gave up His flesh in the most selfless act.

Abstinence from meat is more than just "going without" during Lent. It's more than just a reminder that Christ offered His flesh for us on the cross. Abstinence is prayer.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder...and I can certainly tell you that it is true.

Anyways... 

Tonight Mike and I went out to dinner...but it was actually a wonderful and delicious time. This is because headed somewhere I can actually eat everything on the menu! Sushi Rotary. :) I ate a whole bunch of rolls and walked out of there feeling stuffed for the first time since I started my Lent journey. I am thankful for food. For the wonderful man in my life. And, of course, for the Lord.