In liturgical churches, the season of Lent—40 days before Easter—is a time for self-denial, fasting, extra prayer, reflection, deeper consideration for others, a time to stop-and-take-stock- of-one’s-life.
I’m not one for either new year’s resolutions or self-denial. I won’t give up ice cream or Cheetos or caffeine, especially for 40 days. One source said Sundays were exempt from such disciplines. Even that wouldn’t get it for me. But, in the spirit of the season, what else could I do as a "disciple" to participate?
One post showed a black garbage bag tied with a string and something about "40 days: each day put something in the bag to give away."
That sounded like something I could and would do. I co-opted the idea and devised my own slogan: "40 days, 40 drawers, 40 things to give away."
So I began. Turns out, there were more things I didn’t need than just one. I discovered I could give away three shirts, three scarves, three unused kitchen gadgets, four odd spoons, and so on.
As I write this, ten days into the season, twenty-nine useful-but-not-being-used-by-me items are in the bag. And many more drawers remain to be gone through.
Also, daily readings from, say, Ruth Bell Graham’s "Letters from Ruth’s Attic," a poem or two from "St. Peter’s B-List" (edited by Mary Ann B. Miller), and "Meditations on the Psalms" (Crafton) help me pause and consider other ideas and possibilities.
And then I visited my friend Dot from Beebe. Beebe is rising fast in the "Flea Market of Arkansas" ranks. The "Do Drop In" is my Siren, my Satan, my Delight. I have no discipline when it comes to such. Especially as concerns books and cobalt blue glass.
So I confess to buying five books: "2201 Fascinating Facts" (for use in columns and blogs), an Iris Murdoch tome, a Joan Hess ‘Claire Malloy’ mystery, a Henry James classic and a small Maya Angelou poetry book—all for only $8.50!
I found a set of four Carnival Glass goblets for Christmas and birthday gifts, four small "oatmeal"-glass saucers, a sheep magnet for a sister, and four stemmed goblets of blue glass to add to my "blue room" collection.
Twenty-nine items out going—eighteen items incoming. Oh, dear. I might have to gear up my daily giveaways to four or more.
Our minister’s sermon title last Sunday was, "Why is it so hard?"
I, too, ask, "Why is it so hard to persevere in a ‘good-for-you; good-for-the-world’ regimen of disciplined acts?" And for only forty days?
7 comments:
I usually give up something for Lent but this year I didn't. I like the idea of giving away 40 things. Even if you add new things, that's still 40 things going out the door. Good post.
I think we need to give away 400 items. And possibly throw away about the same.
Books? A huge weakness here.
Well done with your project.
I think you're doing good! I understand about the allure of the flea market. Sometimes we find treasures there. I didn't give up anything for Lent or plan any alternate activity. Not sure why. Anyway, I love Cheetos!
Thanks, friends, for your comments. In fact, E.C., I've given 3 or 4 things away every day so far. Books? I'm not sure. If so, to the library. Am thinking about asking Dairy Hollow if she'd like to have the Virginia Woolf volumes I have been plowing through. Surely by mid-April, I'll be through with them.
I have been doing this too! I have one paper bag full and will start another one. But I too have been bringing things in, like a very large plastic Ninja Turtle, much bigger than the paper bag. (My little grandson is coming to visit next weekend, and at $7.00 (marked down from $30.00), how could I let it just sit there unloved on the Walmart shelf?!
Good post, Pat, and something it sounds like we all struggle with. Forty items would be only a drop in the bucket ... though I bought just one book last Saturday. :)
.40 x 3 (and sometimes 4)still won't make a dent, but a person's gotta try. Thanks for all the comments, girls
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