Over the weekend, as I looked ahead at my calendar, I realized the Lenten season begins this week, with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18.
Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and other Christian denominations that observe the imposition of ashes will soon begin asking each other: What are you giving up for Lent?
I remember an Ash Wednesday morning conversation with my youngest daughter Gabi (Juliancito’s mom) when she was living in Washington, D.C. Earlier that morning, she told me her plan for Lent was to give up cursing, among other things. A noble goal, I thought. Toward the end of our conversation, she started cursing, in Spanish, after a car nearly hit her. I reminded her of her Lenten promise. Without missing a beat, she replied, “In English.” So even “giving something up” can have what lawyers call loopholes.
While many people associate Lent, especially in the Roman Catholic tradition, with giving something up, that is only a small part of the season. Lent is rooted in three pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Giving something up falls under fasting.
Lent is not only about subtraction. It can also be about addition.
Instead of giving something up, why not add something that benefits your neighbors and strengthens this Island community? Volunteering weekly, donating to a local cause, checking in on a neighbor, committing to small acts of kindness or simply practicing gratitude are all ways to “do more” this season.
There is a lot of good being done on Key Biscayne. Organizations such as A Zero Waste Culture, Dominos for Education, Friends of Cape Florida, Flying High 4 Haiti, It Takes Village, Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Key Biscayne Film Festival, Key Biscayne Woman’s Club, Rotary Club of Key Biscayne, Share the Boo and many others can always use support. Beyond financial contributions, many welcome volunteers, fresh ideas and expanded networks that help further their missions.
Even something as simple as smiling more or greeting neighbors when you run into them at Crandon, Winn-Dixie or The Golden Hog is another way to build community.
As for me, I will still give something up this year. I will also look for something to add, something that helps strengthen those who are working every day to make this Island better.
What will you add for Lent?