I am not Catholic but over the last 10 plus years I have come to have many Catholic friends. They have told me a few things about their Catholic experience. Many things I knew nothing about like CCD classes, Saints, and the fact that Nuns are not always nice :-) Although I am a Christian, other than the main principles of believing in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), a lot of other aspects of the faith do not quite mesh with my own beliefs. But there is one aspect that meshes quite well with my spirituality. Lent! Now I don’t really know a lot about Lent but what I do know I like. To the best of my understanding Lent is practiced by giving up something as a sacrifice for the 40 days before Easter as a demonstration of faith and in remembrance of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, where he endured Satan’s temptation, before the beginning of his public ministry. I LIKE IT!!!
So which Non-Catholic Joy Chaser with two thumbs is practicing Lent this year? This one!! LOL Now I know there is a bit more to it than giving up something. There are some dietary guidelines (not eating meat on certain days) and probably some other spiritual things that I know nothing about, but I don’t think God will mind if I don’t do it just right. So for my spin on Lent I will be giving up, sacrificing a little free time and spending at least 20 minutes every day cleaning.
Now I know that is not really a big deal. But I hate cleaning. I am not good at it. I usually have to force myself to do it and it always takes too long. So a little each day will be a challenge and will also make my home a little more homey :-)
For me a Joy has everything to do with God. Belief in that higher power is what gives me the hope and optimism required to keep Chasing Joy on those most difficult days. And what truly helps me reach out and grab onto a little Joy is knowing that while religion can unite us with like minded people, allow us to experience group worship, and give us some guidelines on how to live life it does not dictate our own relationship with God. So for the next 40 days this non-Catholic girl will be experiencing the Joy of Lent.
Tell me Joy Chasers, have you ever taken part in another religion’s practice because you liked it? Oh, and if you are practicing Lent, what are you giving up?
