40 Days of Optimism

In the Christian tradition, Lent is the 40-day period that represents a time of prayer, fasting, and self examination leading up to the celebration of Easter. A time of preparation, it provides opportunity for reflection and self denial. Lent traditionally commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert -- that time of temptation and testing of faith and commitment. Different faith flavors embrace their own details concerning Lent, but most come down on the side of making ready and making room for Easter. In simplest terms most agree that Jesus was tempted with demonstrating his power (doubting his position), pride (questioning his confidence in God's provision), and significance (challenging his importance). In each situation, Jesus responded by reciting scripture. Not being a theologian, these are rough interpretations -- but interpretations that speak to some basic human insecurities nonetheless.

As a lifelong PresbyLutheran with Scottish and Norwegian roots, every year. for the last 40 or so, I have tried to take the idea of Giving-Up-of-Self during this time period very seriously. Annually, this effort has extended to three or four days -- five at a maximum. Frankly, it is exciting at first. Doing without chocolate, ice cream, steak -- loses its romantic charm in less than a week and soon, the idea of treats or a substantial meal becomes more of a focus than sacrifice. It isn't long before the idea of preparation flies out the window faster than one can say cupcake.

This year, my desire was to come up with a sacrifice that was truly significant. After much reflection, the thought came to me that one of the biggest challenges might be giving up my propensity to analyze and complain about people, circumstances and Life In General. (A very cushy life, by most standards.) A confession here -- I did consider giving up going to the grocery store in my bedroom slippers. But that seemed superficial. Taking a deep breath and whispering a God-help-me-prayer, my mission became: to give up complaining.

More Cynic than Saint, my stubborn nature predicted that this might last about 12 hours. But I decided to give it a sincere try. In order to increase my chances of fulfilling this Impossible Dream and curious about what it might accomplish, I asked myself, "What would it take to ensure success?" And the answer seemed to be -- prayer, perseverance and a whole lot of accountability. So, I enlisted the help of God and a few other friends.

My best-friend-step-daughter was the first person who heard me out. Her response was, "What a great idea! You are launching a journey into Forty Days of Optimism!" That young-old-soul-wise -woman possesses unique perspective. Fresh in her faith, she really inspired me to a deeper commitment. Further, I shared this with a few colleagues and asked them to call me on any slip ups.

Lent is not complete yet -- it culminates on the Saturday before Easter, but already, I have experienced at least a dozen Little Easters as a result of this journey. It has not been without a bit of stumbling and staggering; it has not been without daily (and sometimes hourly) prayers for persistence; it has not been with out much tongue-biting. In certain ways, the challenges that have come my way have been greater than ever before -- ill health, unfulfilled plans, mistakes. But these days since Ash Wednesday have resulted in some of the most profound, transforming experiences in my recent life. It has sent me on regular treasure hunts for those things that are going well, for those things that are life-affirming, for those things that lift people (and me) above life's lowest common denominator. Those Things are all around us -- look deep and you will find them.

Yes, there are still bleak moments in life. There is sadness. There is imperfection. There is evil. But without becoming too glib or superficial -- the promises of God come alive in new ways when we look through the lenses of appreciation. Somehow, the giving up has become a perpetual means of receiving -- more than I ever "asked for or imagined."

The story is not over. Can't wait for the next chapter!