Tofu

So tonight we're having tofu. Aaron and I are observing the lent holiday--I don't even know if I said that right. What is lent anyway? I asked Aaron and he said he didn't know. How odd is that? How could he observe such a holiday without understanding what it is? I guess in his defense most people celebrate holidays without truly understanding its meaning.

I'm only telling half the truth. So he did tell me a little about what lent was about. But, really, it wasn't much. He said something along the lines of understanding what Jesus went through.

Throughout the years I've learned that lent, or is it Lent with a capital "L", is something that helps people feel good about the bad things that they do. It also reminds me of being social--like watching your favorite television show. Did you see the last episode where so-and-so did this . . . ? All I know is that people who celebrate similar denominations like to share with each other what they gave up for Lent.

Many years ago I was asked, "What did you give up for Lent?" I had no clue how to answer. You see, my mother wasn't all that into church by the time I was born. So essentially, I don't really have any religious background. My response to this person who asked me what I had given up for Lent was that I hadn't decided. And so I asked them, "What are you giving up for Lent?" And their response was soda. Yes--soda.

Ahh, I see! How could I have not understood the simplicity of Lent. Lent is about giving up things that you love very dearly so you can feel like shit. Just kidding, that was a little harsh. However, to this day I can only gather that the definition of Lent differs from person to person. For Aaron and I it's about not eating red meat, on Wednesdays and Fridays, and no festive beverages allowed (along with whatever it is you gave up for Lent). Please note that I'm only doing it because Aaron tells me to, but still I just don't understand how this particular act will bring me closer to Jesus. I don't mind not eating red meat--I don't really care for it--it's the being lazy that seems to get the best of me. Is Lent about food or is it about behavior? I'd rather focus on my laziness--is that proper to say, that I'm giving up laziness for Lent? And then what? Afterwards I can go back to being lazy?

If I were Jesus it would plague me to find that so many people would want to imitate me in such a way that is more symbolic rather than a lifestyle. Not drinking soda or eating red meat for x amount of weeks isn't nearly as difficult as giving it up completely, which in my opinion, would be the way to go if we're talking about being like Jesus and understanding him.

I've never read the Bible from beginning to end. I've only read a few pieces here and there. I've been to church a bunch of times. Children are born and the elderly pass away. I'm not sure where this blog is going, but I do know that I must prepare my tofu meal.