Do you usually give up (or take on) something during the Lenten season?

Lent is a period of 40 days, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent is often a time of repentance, fasting, and preparation for the coming of Easter. It’s a time of self-examination, reflection, and  focus on one’s relationship with God. Many people choose to give up something, or to volunteer and give of themselves in service to others, during these 40 days.

Here are some things people typically give up for Lent:

My friend Lori mentioned  a fabulous idea for Lent that I had never heard of  before. The idea came from a FACEBOOK post by Mary Beth Conley Johann of Pickerington, Ohio.

Mary Beth suggests on each day of Lent we give up one item from our closet that we no longer wear or need. Place the items in a bag and after 40 days, donate the bag to a or church or charity. WOW is about all I can say.

Even though we are already five days into Lent, it’s still not too late to take this on. You can even combine the 40 Day – 40 Item Challenge  with something else you are doing for Lent.

Each day while you are clearing your closet, take a few moments to clear your mind, reflect on your blessings, think of those less fortunate, and find additional ways to  express your own gratitude.

Mary Beth, thanks for sharing your post with us.

I’m heading to my closet right now, with my bag, to reflect and remind myself of all I have to be grateful for.

Just a tip: Use a black bag, as shown above. And no looking back. Once items go in, they can’t come out!