GOODBYE FOR LENT

Today is Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Party Hearty for Tomorrow We Repent Day!!! As a Catholic, Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, a special time in my Christian faith. It is 40 days that is meant for us to prepare for the celebration of the death and Resurrection of Christ. Like millions of kids, I remember the nuns in grade school asking us “What are you giving up for Lent?” Over the years, I heard all the favorites, chocolate, desserts, alcohol or even coffee (have a daughter who could not handle that). Well, I failed miserably at all of the above. So, this year I decided to examine my daily life and try to figure out how best to honor His sacrifice and reconnect with my Lord.

I came to the conclusion that this is an opportunity to reconnect by meaningful actions, not to just make a “sacrifice” that is just symbolic. Substituting seafood for meat once a week or giving up sugar (wanted to lose weight anyway) didn’t seem to cut it. As for alcohol, our Lord enjoyed a good drink now and then so who am I to argue?

So, I looked inward and really tried to figure out what was hurting me. What was it that made me angry, jealous, lose my temper, feel superior (or inferior) or want to violate a bunch of the 10 Commandments? It was Facebook! Other than the occasional reconnection with some high school brothers (not sexist, we were an all boy school) the main reaction I got was a bunch of negative emotions that I did not enjoy feeling.

First of all, I do not believe that sharing a picture of an angel to get a miracle in 10 seconds works! I believe in miracles but through prayer, not sharing an anonymous post.

Secondly, I do NOT like cats and am sick of all those “Check out and love those cute kitties.” posts. In fact, I have gotten to really hate cats the more I see of these posts.

Third, I really love dogs and most other animals (reptiles excluded) but I will not contribute to their welfare until the children and elderly of our country are fed and have access to health care.

Fourth, I got furious with myself when I start comparing my life (which is pretty damn good) to others and getting jealous about what others might have. I get angry at the hate towards others, the judgment of those who vilify the mentally ill, physically different, and the overall lack of acceptance that has come to mark our social media. I am sick of the mob mentality that is expressed in politics and religion. I am tired of 10 word proclamations that are just mean. In short, I am giving up what I believe to be a forum for some of the most anti Christian beliefs and actions that are circulating in our world.

I am not saying that Facebook itself is evil. It has the potential to be used for good. I am saying it is way too powerful. I have screamed at parents who allow their children access to social media, how it leads to social isolation, anxiety and depression. I see it in teens all the time, but now I also see it in me. There are times when I found myself checking Facebook instead of paying attention to my wife or grandchildren. I have logged in at the dinner table and even sitting on the throne (don’t tell me you haven’t). I have found myself getting sad at the messages of hate and uninformed stupidity.

So, it is time to walk the walk and turn away from what is hurting me as a Christian, spouse, parent, and grandparent. My commitment is to real people. I will continue to blog and share my writing. I will miss some of the recipes, inspiring quotes and awesome puns that I torture my family with. I wish that could make up for the rest of it but it can’t and I must say goodbye for awhile. Any of my friends (or those who want to engage in real conversation) can connect with me at peterseuffertlmft@gmail.com or at Grandadsplace.com which will continue to be posted on social media.

May you have a season of thoughtful reflection and a BLESSED LENT