I should have written this post before Ash Wednesday but hey—better late than never!
Among the 3 pillars of Lent namely Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting—I thought fasting was the most challenging for me. Why? Because my passion was, is, and forever be F-O-O-D. I also loved drinking beer, gin, whisky, rum, sangria, etc. whether I’m alone or celebrating with a group of friends.
Ironically, I had no qualms complying with the prescribed directive on fasting. It was surprisingly easy for me that I felt I wasn’t doing any sacrifice at all. I prayed hard and asked God to reveal to me what he wanted me to do for him. That’s when I heard him whisper: “Give up your alcohol addiction. Offer your sacrifice for the conversion of sinners.” And so for the whole Season of Lent way back in 1995, no alcohol touched my lips. I originally planned to get drunk on the night of Easter Sunday but lo and behold—I wasn’t craving for alcohol anymore!
If you have been clinging to some form of addiction, now is the best time to break free from it. Think of a noble reason bigger than yourself like offering your sacrifice for the conversion of Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Or for your loved ones to be spared of medical illnesses. Or for your debtors to finally attain financial independence. Or for you to have a lucrative side hustle to support your nephew survive medical school. Or for your mother to reach 124 years old heheheh . . .
If I can do it, you can do it better!
EPILOGUE
Forgive me Lord. I did the sacrifice back then with the ulterior motive to satisfy my Prince Charming who has been nagging me to stop drinking. I was actually trying to hit 2 birds in 1 stone, so to speak. I sincerely hope sinners were also converted given my relentless effort. I believe You are understanding, loving and merciful.
(Thanks for dropping by my blog! Have a meaningful Lenten Season. Stay safe everyone!)
