I always try to give something up that I want to "quit" forever. Last year, that was "additions" to foods: mainly sugar in my coffee and salt on my food. The sugar was adding girth and the salt is bad for me as I have a kidney disease. Lent was a great way to get over it. Come Easter, I still didn't use the stuff and now, a year later, I am still "off" of sugar and salt as post-preparation additives.
As a Catholic (maybe other faiths do this too?) we are taught that Lent is not just about giving something up--it is a symbolic sacrifice to remind us of the sacrifice Christ made for us. So, taking something on is just as important/valid as removing something from your life. These things can be helping at a local charity every week, going to daily mass, driving those unable to drive themselves to Drs appointments, shopping centers, church, whatever. The hope, of course, is that by the end of the 40 days you have developed a new habbit/hobby that is no longer a "sacrifice" but something you do willingly and happily.
So, I will be taking something on this year, rather than giving something up. For Lent, I will go out of my way to speak with varrious people who use the services of the Seattle Mission every day. I will take the time to humanize thier story, to learn from them and, hopefully, I will meet a freind or two by doing so.
Out of this, I hope I can help someone who may need help, and learn something from those who have a lesson to be taught.
