Holy Week

It's 'Holy Week'. Our 40 days of Lent, of giving something up is almost to an end. I gave up alcohol. Mark gave up soda. Ben said he'd give up school! :) On Friday, we are supposed to fast for the day in remembrance of the day Jesus was crucified. Those of you who know me, know that I spent 30 years in a very claustrophobic religion that didn't allow room for thought or individuality. So having escaped from it, I spent ten years not being religious..but being quite spiritual (yes, there IS a difference!). Now, for the past four years Mark and I have been attending NewLife, a non denominational Christian religion. This is our first year of giving something up for Lent. And while I really like the idea of observing Jesus sacrifice, I am not so sure I am wanting to fast! It sounds like I am really making a commitment to a 'religion' and that just sits wrong with me. Then I think, this isn't about a commitment to a 'religion' but to a way of life. A life of living my best. Of reaching for the stars and fulfilling my dreams. Of leading in areas I can teach and being a student in areas that I can learn. It's about being a good wife and mother, without giving up so much of myself that I become a shell of myself. This is all so different from my past 'religious' way of life...and I like it! So maybe I'll fast, maybe I won't. But what I do know is, if I decide to NOT fast, I am not going to feel guilty. I am not going to be hauled in front of the Church body of pastors. Because something I've learned from NewLife is that MY faith is MY business...and THAT is what it should be about!

Holy week ends with Easter Sunday. Around our house, it's not so much a religious day as it is a family day. Yes, we'll go to Church in the morning, but before we go, there will be the egg hunt, and this year, instead of the Easter Bunny leaving the kids baskets for them, they are going to have to go on a scavenger hunt for them! There will be chocolates and new movies and ham and lamb and lots of good things to eat.

This week is a far cry from this time of year in my 'old' religion. It wasn't a week about your faith. Or about family. It wasn't about fun and laughter and loving God. It was about guilt and sadness and being beaten down emotionally.

I sure like my New Life! :)

Hugs to all,
Jaye