The Mardi Gras parades are over, the red beans and rice were served by the Pensacola Beach Woman's Club, Ash Wednesday services were conducted, and now the Christian churches are into the Season of Lent.

For some of the Christian tradition, Lent is a solemn time for remembering the events surrounding the life of Jesus as he looked forward to death. Others find it distressing about having to "give up" something they enjoy. Others are gratified because it provides an opportunity to "give up" habits they are eager to shed. Still others look forward to the end of the 40 days as they become weary of feeling guilty for not having achieved their goal.

I have a couple of suggestions:

First of all, give up the guilty feelings. Lent should be a time of growth and renewal rather than loading us down with guilt which is so often debilitating and defeating.

Secondly, instead of just "giving up" something, we could "take on" a useful and helpful project. If we feel the necessity to "give up" such mundane things as chocolates, smoking, cocktails, we could take the money we save and give it to a worthy cause. Or we could "give up" watching a particular television program and use that time as a volunteer in an organization that relies heavily on donations of time.

There's nothing wrong with being creative as we observe this Season of Lent. Think of all the good that could be accomplished! And we will have observed Lent in a positive and productive way.

Instead of a guilty Lent, we can have a happy Lent.