by Lexi Rosas | editor-in-chief

In the weeks leading up to Lent we hear a lot of “I’m giving up ice cream for Lent” and “Ugh, I can’t have soda for 40 days” or “Yeah, I’m just going to give up sweets again.” This time between Ash Wednesday and Easter can commonly be seen as a period of better health and a break from sugar, rather than it’s intended meaning.

We all know that biblically this time of the year represents a period of repentance and introspection which was inspired by Jesus’ 40 day descent into the desert where he had to avoid temptation and gain the clarity to form his own ministry.  “Fat Tuesday” gives way to Ash Wednesday and so begins the 40 days of reflection and possibly atonement.

So where does the elimination of complex carbohydrates come in? Or that sugar purge?  It probably came from the sacrifice motif or even from the goal of self improvement. But is that what causes the deep emotional changes? Will extinguishing your chocolate purges change you in ways so deeply emotional and touching that you will find God?

Most likely not. That is the central misconception about Lent. It is a time for correction and self betterment, but in ways of the spirit. It is typically to be utilized as a time to focus on what really matters – being more kind and thoughtful, more generous and caring, more loving and accepting.

At the end of the day that refusal to eat sugar or drink coffee may just transform you into a cranky beast. So this time of the year may be better utilized by focusing on things that you can do to be a better person. Here at at JHS the opportunities are endless, for example: hold the doors open for people or help a teacher erase their boards or clean off the classroom desks. It’s so simple to pick up that extra piece of trash in the cafeteria or to turn that lost hoodie into the lost and found. The solutions are far more simple than

cleansing your body of sugar or carbs- make someone’s day, smile, show that you care.