When I think of
Lent, the name Norma comes to mind.
Norma was a
passionate fan of the Olympics – summer and winter. In '88, television was the only media source for watching the Games. Norma glued herself
to her TV everyday during Olympic
coverage. She paused all of her usual activities to pursue her passion.
1988 was the year
of the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. Did you watch Eddie the Eagle, the unlikely British ski jumper? I didn’t. That was the
year I had a golden idea for Lent. What if everyone in our congregation gave up
watching television for Lent? Forty days without TV and all for Jesus.
I wasn’t the biggest
Olympic fan at the time so it never occurred to me that Lent would fall during
the two weeks of the Games. Norma was in our congregation. Can you see
where this is going?
In January, I
challenged our congregation to turn off the TV and tune into Jesus. What
a great way for everyone to sacrifice something that was integral to their
daily routine so they could get closer to Jesus. We posted a sign-up list to
show who and how many were participating. That’s when I noticed
Norma.
As the list of participants grew longer, Norma grew distant.
The beginning of
Lent neared. She started to avoid me on Sundays. The day before Ash Wednesday
she phoned me. “Pastor Bob, I have a predicament.” Norma loved Jesus and was quite happy to give up anything for Lent, except the Olympics. My good
intentions put Norma in a vice grip between Jesus and the Olympics. She wanted to support my idea but wouldn't be participating. I told her that was OK with me, as I was sure it was with Jesus.
Lent is about giving up something important to be reminded that Jesus is ultimately important. It’s one thing for a person to voluntarily give up something as an act of devotion. It’s quite another to feel the unintended pressure of a community to conform.
Pressure can turn passion into poison.
In 1988 Norma chose to give up chocolate and TV for Lent. She cheered on Eddie the Eagle and his fellow Olympians and when the Games were over she turned off her TV. She got closer to Jesus through it all. And she helped me become a better pastor.
What aren't you giving up for Lent?
Read more from Bob at REVwords,com
I love your story, Pastor Bob, and I’m not giving up TV for Lent either. My husband isn’t well, but when he feels strong enough to be up in the evening, watching TV doesn’t exhaust him. It’s a good day when we can test our wits together on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Then we may check out what’s happening in our neighbouring country and we generally watch The National. That is a good evening together in our home.
ReplyDeleteHaving good days with your sweetheart is the best kind of days. Here's to more good evenings in your home.
DeleteThanks for sharing your wisdom, Bob. How true that "pressure can turn passion into poison." You have a good question that brings balance to observing Lent: "What aren't you giving up for Lent?"
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandi. All the best in your writing journey.
DeleteI loved the humour in this Bob. what a great story. At the same time, it really has a serious message, too. Thanks so much for sharing it. (I can imagine this story in something like a 'Chicken Soup' book... have you thought of submitting it?)
ReplyDeleteNo I have not. But now I have. Thank you Tracy.
DeleteYes I remember Eddie the Eagle! My husband and I and my parents attended some of the 1988 Olympics. To be honest, I don't give up anything for Lent. It's not a tradition that I grew up with. I hope that's okay with you, Pastor Bob! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI give up evaluating other people's choices related to tradition. At Lent and the other 324 days of the year. :)
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