Given it up...

The vid has nothing to do with the post, but I really like this one... Hope you enjoy!

I never understood or will ever understand the need to give up (sacrifice) for Lent. I don't get it. I know everyone and their cousin tells me that it's a representation... but my question is; of what? Does God really sit there and say "That's wonderful my child. Each year you maintained a state of abnegation therefore proving your loyalty to me. For this, I am entirely grateful." Now why don't I see that happening, especially if throughout the midst of this symbolic buffonary, I am still partaking in debauchery that can only be described as "Really? You're doing that?" I just don't see why it matters so. Part of me believes it is to satisfy peers. In a sense, you are proving to the person next to you that you are just as dedicated to the word as (s)he is and you are putting your actions where your mouth is. But me being as self absorbed as I am comes to the logical thinking of ~ why should I care about what you think? This is between me and my God. Never have I ever felt during deep prayer that the removal of something (trivial) will do anything to strengthen my relationship with the Most High, nor have I ever felt that if I didn't engross myself in the traditions of Lent would I be cast aside from the kingdom. So why does it continue? Why is it so important to PROVE love and loyalty to Him through this kind of ritual? I mean, maybe if it was an adjustment made for the rest of your life, I could understand it a little more (like those who refrain from the consumption of PIG and all it's products), but Lent feels like a fad and who cares about those. I don't know... It's just a thought that I was thinking, and now I'm done...