I Gave Up Caffeine.

So this year for Lent, I gave up caffeine. 

In the past, I’ve never really challenged myself or honestly even dived into the true meaning of this time of preparing for Easter. I always looked at it as a challenge not to lose rather than a challenge to get closer to God, so I would pick easy sacrifices. 

This year, I said I was going to do better. The thought was that I needed to give up something that was apart of my everyday life, so everyday I would make the reach or go to perform the habit, stop myself, and take a moment to pray. Going into Lent 37 weeks pregnant, I also thought it should be something to make my body a healthier temple for the Lord and as an example to my boys. 

I was VERY proud of myself for settling on Caffeine. 

As a mom to a feral toddler, who currently feels like a blimp, and who has a very busy and active lifestyle with our family and friends … I realllllyyy love my caffeine. & I’m not picky about it either. Lattes, cold coffee, hot tea, sweet tea, Coca-Cola … like I love them all! 

I prayed about the decision and got deep in thought. This year, the idea of rest and creating a Sabbath for my home has been constantly popping up. Maybe the caffeine was acting as a worldly distraction keeping me from listening to my body about these very cues. Maybe this was the challenge I needed. 

So, I pulled the plug. No more caffeine. 

I was committed. All in. I even bought decaf coffee for my morning devotional and decaf tea for my dinner drink. I went as far as to announce it to my women’s group and say it out-loud too, not afraid of the enemy hearing me and challenging me. After all, these 40 days are symbolic of the Devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness. 

But, here I am, on day 7 - the Biblical day of completion feeling like I haven’t actually completed the task of a true sacrifice. 

Had I talked myself into why this simple twice a day treat was enough of a sacrifice? Had I used the same products with no caffeine to placate my desires? Was I making this choice more off of health desires then desires to feel discomfort intentionally drawing me closer to God? Had part of me justified this choice, because I was already so uncomfortable in the last few weeks of pregnancy? 

Now, don’t get me wrong - I’m still off the caffeine. & I’m not changing that decision.

But I am feeling called to do more. 

I’ll also add this original choice hasn’t been sunshine and rainbows. The first two days of lent, my toddler had the flu. I needed the caffeine. The next two days the caffeine headaches set in and I realllllyyy needed the caffeine. But even in those extra moments of prayer and reflection, I have felt God telling me, “I want more.” 

I don’t think he’s disappointed in my choice. In fact, I think he used this moment to draw me in to hear the call to more. Everything happens for His purpose and His time. And this time, my Lent sacrifice round one was to ease me into a bigger sacrifice and calling for round two. 

I know what my round two is going to be, but I’m going to save that for another blog and another day of growth with you all. I’m nervous and excited to share the good news and see the impact it will have on my life and those around me.

For now, I want to challenge you to ask the tough questions in your journey through Lent. Ask God to show you where you need to place more faith in him. Ask God to show you where you need to relinquish control. & be prepared for scary answers. Nothing God asks of us is easy, but it all comes with the greatest reward. 

God’s Love & Mine, 

Christina