Day Twenty-Two: Cravings!

Lent is all about cravings. The hankering for just a nibble of chocolate, a sip of a Starbucks latte or the latest Jack Donaghy insult from an episode of 30 Rock. The cravings pick a fight with our self-determination yet remind us of the sacrifice we've made.

I don't know if it's a coincidence, but the Worldvision 30 Hour Famine is being held on April 8-9th, in the middle of Lent! Did you know that the 30 Hour Famine is the largest youth fundraiser in Canada? Last year, over 100,000 teens participated. http://www.famine.ca/

As a teen, I fondly remember participating in the 30 Hour Famine. It was a big sleepover with lots of fun activities and yet, by the time the 30 hours was up, I was literally famished! Usually, there would be a pizza "banquet" at the end of the event to satiate any hunger pangs. The feeling of being really hungry was short-lived but did give a tangible experience to identify with those who live all day and night never feeling full.

These days, when I feel hungry I get grumpy. Really grumpy. Some might even call it- HANGRY! In those hangry moments I have a short-temper, I can't be reasoned with (or think rationally) yet, there is usually an easy solution. A walk to the fridge, a stop at a drive-thru, or a snack from the purse. When my children are hungry they resemble wild, drunk animals (Disclaimer: I've never actually induced or witnessed wild, drunk animals. It is merely hyperbole.) They make strange whining noises, they claw at one another and run around crashing into things. There is no doubt that hunger is an unpleasant experience. Living with hunger has many consequences and is tied to issues of lack of sanitary water, access to healthcare, and education.

So, try to track down a teen participating in this year's famine. You will have the choice to direct your tax deductible donation towards; food & nutrition, education, water or child protection. And if you can't find a participant you could always buy a snazzy ethically crafted t-shirt from the website or donate on-line! And the next time you are HANGRY and are able to satiate those hunger pains, take a moment to be grateful and consider those who are not as fortunate.