Advertisement

For Lent, no more complaining

 
Published March 8, 2017

The 40 days of Lent, the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, represents a time for sacrifice and prayer within the Christian faith.

Christians around the world give up something as a symbolic ode to the 40 days and nights Jesus fasted in the desert.

People outside the faith sometimes participate as well, sustaining from things they otherwise indulge in.

Popular choices for 2017 include chocolate, soda and social media.

This year, from March 1 to April 13, I choose to give up complaining.

I complain way too much for someone with no real substantial complaints.

I wake up in the morning and say my back hurts.

I lament about my child's behavior, about juggling work and mom life, about dog pee and migraines.

For the next several weeks, it stops.

I choose to make a conscious effort to keep it quiet.

If something bothers me, I choose to pray about it rather than complain.

As a teenager, I gave up soda for Lent several times. I remember come Easter cracking a can of Coke with a big smile.

I hope to kick the complaining habit long term.

Calendar

St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 7922 State Road 52, Hudson, will host a pancake breakfast at 10 a.m. March 18. The cost is $4 for adults and $1 for children. Also, the church thrift shop has new hours. The shop is now open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit stmarksfl.org.

First United Methodist Church of Land O'Lakes, 6209 Land O'Lakes Blvd., will host a lunch for those ages 55 and older from noon to 1 p.m. March 16. The church also offers a weekly sewing group at 9 a.m. Thursdays. For more information, visit lolumc.org.

Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz, offers a children's musical theater group from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Children ages 7 to 17 in the community are invited to join the group, which teaches theater skills with an emphasis on building confidence. For more information, call (813) 948-5522.

Carmel Friendship Church, 3814 Turman Loop, Wesley Chapel, will have a men's ministry meet-up from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18. For information, visit cfriendship.org.

Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, offers a food pantry that is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Wednesday. For more information, visit discoveralc.com.

Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation, 6209 Congress St., New Port Richey, will celebrate Purim at 5 p.m. March 11. Those attending will see the Megillah of Esther dramatized, enjoy the taste of a hamantashin and learn how to use a grogger. Also find out how the account of Esther applies to life today. Admission is free, and the community is welcome. Dress up as someone from the Bible and have a chance to win a $25 prize. For more information, visit jewishheritage.net.