In the past, I have chosen to believe that I excel at Lent. It's an absurd notion, but it's true.  Since high school, I have managed to give up meat, cold drinks, chocolate, cursing, desserts and fast food for 40 day intervals.  This year, I prepared myself to be equally as outstanding in the sacrifice department.

During a Lenten devotion with the teenagers, I made a personal decision that this Lent would be about H20. That's exactly what I wrote on my pledge card...H20.  Because of my past success with sacrifice, I didn't really see this as a problematic stretch or particularly difficult process.  During our Ash Wednesday service, I committed myself to the journey. My interpretation: H2O as the exclusive beverage for the next 40 days.

On the way home from church, I began to reflect on the commitment that I had just made. During the next 40 days, I would be going to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the DYMN conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, a 4-day youth meeting in Indianapolis and another 4-day General Assembly Worship Planning meeting in Nashville. I would attend an ordination and a wedding.  Did I mention day to day life? Water only...really?

Within 48 hours, I became a caffeine-free monster. I had an excruciating headache, the shakes, and an upset stomach. I consumed more than my fair share of Tylenol. I was uninterested in the people around me and wanted to retreat back to my home, back to my bed. 

I pulled into the parking lot of a local grocery store where I met God face-to-face. I don't even know what a "duke" is, but I felt like I "duked" it out with God right then and there. I wrestled with the idea of sacrifice...pride...commitment.  My head was pounding. I went inside the store and was sick to my stomach. I returned to my car feeling physically weak, but somewhat stronger...spiritually. I reconnected with God and then gave more thought to my commitment.

This Lent, I am on a journey.  I will drink H20 with a sense of purpose. I will still drink coffee and diet coke; I will be extremely grateful for the luxuries in my life. I'm donating my coins so someone else may experience running water.  More importantly, I will walk this 40 day road with humility and the grace of God. I will struggle, but I will not be alone.

February 21 at 4pm in the Fellowship Hall

"The Garden" 2009 Academy Award Nominee Best Documentary Feature 80 minutes (not rated)

Film Synopsis: The fourteen-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles is the largest of its kind in the United States. Started as a form of healing after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farmers have since created a miracle in one of the country’s most blighted neighborhoods.

Growing their own food.

Feeding their families.

Creating a community.

But now, bulldozers are poised to level their 14-acre oasis.

The Garden follows the plight of the farmers, from the tilled soil of this urban farm to the polished marble of City Hall. Mostly immigrants from Latin America, from countries where they feared for their lives if they were to speak out, we watch them organize, fight back, and demand answers: Why was the land sold to a wealthy developer for millions less than fair-market value? Why was the transaction done in a closed-door session of the LA City Council? Why has it never been made public? And the powers-that-be have the same response: “The garden is wonderful, but there is nothing more we can do.”

If everyone told you nothing more could be done, would you give up?

This movie is part of our hunger:360 and is sponsored by the youth group. The showing in the fellowship hall will be followed by a period of discussion. Popcorn and lemonade are included.