Dr. Pepper
Growing up in a Methodist family, I have always observed Lent. But it wasn’t until I was much older that I truly understood its meaning. I remember one particular year, as a freshman in high school, when I decided to give up Dr. Pepper. I was miserable. If you know me now, you know my ongoing love of that soda! At the time, it felt like Lent was just a long stretch of self-inflicted misery, not a spiritual practice. It seemed more like a challenge to see how much I could tolerate rather than a way to grow closer to Christ.
Looking back, I realize how wrong my understanding was. Lent is not about depriving ourselves just for the sake of suffering. It’s about intentionally creating space in our lives for God. It’s about stripping away distractions and comforts to allow more room for Christ to shape us. Yes, sometimes this involves giving up something we enjoy, but it’s not the absence of the thing that matters; it’s the opportunity it creates for us to refocus.
In 2020, I began to have a clearer understanding of Lent. That year, I decided to give up social media. As the pandemic unfolded, the time I’d once spent scrolling through endless posts was now spent in more meaningful, real-life connections. Without the constant buzz of social media, I found myself more engaged with the people around me and more present in my own life. The absence of distractions allowed me to focus on my relationship with God and others in a way I hadn’t before. Lent is an opportunity not just to give something up but to add something in. It’s a season to cultivate deeper practices of prayer, reflection, and connection.
I encourage you to ask yourself: What is God calling me to surrender, and how can I make space for something new in my life that draws me closer to Him? Whether it’s giving up a habit, adding time for prayer, or serving others, let this season be a time of true transformation.
Schuyler Henderson, Edmond Campus Youth Director
