Fish Sticks and Cheese Pizza

It’s Lent, so of course we have fish sticks and cheese pizza!

During Lent, many Christians observe a period of fasting, self-denial, discipline, sacrifice, and reflection. To me, and many other kids growing up with these beliefs, what it really meant was that you had to choose something to give up for 40 days–maybe a habit, or maybe something that would really test your will. So we did. Usually it was candy; sometimes it was refraining from talking back; or maybe it was giving up saying bad words. Either way, it was a sacrifice.

And of course, there was always fish sticks and cheese pizza on Friday because we had to refrain from eating meat. This was another testament to our deep sacrifice during this Lenten period. And for many years, I proudly sacrificed during this time. Not eating chocolate or candy for 40 days is hard, and there was never enough tartar sauce to drown out those soggy/burnt fish sticks!

But then one year into college life, I had a friend ask me, “Why do you give up something for 40 days and not eat meat on Friday’s?” 

I answered something like, “It’s symbolic of the time Jesus wandered into the wilderness for 40 days and so we mimic this sacrifice.”

Friend: “Why did He wander into the wilderness for 40 days?”

Me: “I think to pray and reflect?”

Friend: “Pray and reflect, but why?”

Me: …………

Turns out, that was the question I should have been asking myself. I was giving up chocolate and candy, and eating fish sticks and cheese pizza on Friday’s, but WHY?

I knew Jesus wandered into the woods to pray and reflect; He didn’t just wander in, pitch a tent, and start a campfire just because. But why exactly did He wander there? Why exactly was I sacrificing?

And at that point I realized it wasn’t just about the sacrifice. There had to be a purpose, or motivation. There had to be a reason why. That is where the reflection comes in - there has to be sacrifice AND reflection. 

When we sacrifice, we should also be reflecting why we are sacrificing. What is the reason? Purpose and motivation sustain, and give meaning to, our sacrifices. Without reflection, there is no reason, purpose, or motivation; and our sacrifices soon turn into a revolving door of New Year’s Resolutions.

If you are a coach, player, parent, administrator, or person, take time to reflect on all that you are doing, especially the sacrifices; because your purpose gives the fuel as to WHY you are sacrificing, which fuels them for the long term.

Sacrifice AND Reflection.

What are the reasons you are eating fish sticks and cheese pizza on a Friday night??