Apparently I'm not the only one out in blog land that has been contemplating Lent while pregnant. Both Djiwa and Christine have discussed Lent and pregnancy on their blogs today and at the risk of beating a dead horse and looking like a copy cat and using far too many puns all at the same time, I'm going to do it, too.
We're just a few days away from the start of Lent and I've yet to decide on what I'm giving up and/or taking on for Lent this year. Eek! Part of this is because I already feel like I'm living a super long drawn out Lent while pregnant this time around. I found out back in October that things like deli meats, soft cheeses, and ceasar salad dressing are all foods you shouldn't eat while pregnant. Now I knew that moldy cheeses and feta were off limits while pregnant long before my first pregnancy, but it was news to me when I found out that hoagies, ceasar salad and fresh buffalo mozzarella were all off the menu. And being the sort of person who always wants what she can't have, I find myself longingly looking at Wawa and wishing I could have an Italian Hoagie.
When I'm not pregnant, I'm willing to give up certain foods or even eating out/ordering take out. Knowing how I am, I know those types of sacrifices while pregnant will make me and everyone around me miserable, so they're out. What I need to do is find something that is non-edible to give up for Lent.
When I was pregnant with Katie I gave up FaceBook for Lent. I've considered doing that this time around, but part of me would really hate to do it. Perhaps that's an indicator that I should give it up since doing so will certainly impact me. Some people are good with giving up internet during the day but I doubt I could handle that especially since that's how I primarily communicate with Bryan during the work day. Then again, I might be able to sacrifice browsing websites and blogs during the day but still utilize the messenger that I use to contact Bryan. I imagine if I cut out a lot of my internet usage or limited myself to only a certain amount of time on line per day that I'd probably get a lot more done around the house than I presently do.
As far as taking things on for Lent, in the past I have added things like going to daily Mass two or three times per week. I did that last year for Lent and by the time we hit Easter I was going to daily Mass Monday through Friday and have been doing so ever since. So, unless I decide to sacrifice my Saturday mornings, the only morning of the week where I get to sleep past 6:45, I don't think I'll be able to add going to daily Mass as a Lenten sacrifice.
I'm hopeful that I will be able to come up with something that is meaningful to give up and/or take on by Wednesday. If you have any suggestions leave me a comment.
Thanks for the mention! Not that I'm doing this, but Dwija made a good point about how you could still give up something food-related while pregnant, such as a sweet or some other favorite food.
ReplyDeleteI also communicate with my husband primarily by e-mail during the day. Though I plan to give up "the internet" while the kids are awake, I am making an exception for necessary e-mails to/from my husband.
Kendra of Catholic All Year had a lot of good ideas for unconventional sacrifices. Maybe one of them could inspire you :-)