Lent a good time to give of self to others

STELLARTON - With Shrove Tuesday in the books, so begins the time of year when many Christians give up something significant in their lives and make an effort spend some time in quiet reflection.
Several denominations in Christianity maintain the observance of Lent, which begins today with Ash Wednesday. Among other things, it's a symbolic representation of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness and was tempted by the devil.
Traditionally it was material comforts that went with the season. At Christ Anglican church yesterday, during its annual Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner, several attending suggested a broader interpretation of the observance.
Given the pace of things today, it isn't surprising that one of the most valuable things a person can give up isn't really a material thing at all - it's time.
"There comes a point where you're of a certain age where you should give of your time," said Eve Westerman of New Glasgow attending yesterday's dinner. "That's what God said - give of yourself."
Jane Richardson, also present at the church, said that people do interpret Lent as a "reason to help others."
There are those who give up sweets or coffee or what-have-you, but she says there's no reason why they can't be given up at any other time during the year.
In today's life, people are spending more time - instead of giving up for Lent - they spend time asking 'what can I do for other people,' said Rev. Aidan Kingsbury.
Or, there maybe a combination of the giving up and the giving.
For example he says - a frequent coffee drinker may refrain from stopping for drive-through coffee during this period.
"That would be a penance - but to also take the dollar and a half - or whatever you spend - gather that. And at the end of the 40 days, you'd take that and give it to a charity."