a few thoughts on Lent

No matter where you are standing on the Christian spectrum, I think it is a good thing to consider. There are vehement critics of it, who condemn it as a sign of the "over-ritualistic" church, and would never even think of observing it. It makes me kind of sad - yes, it is an assigned, "traditional" time - but what is so bad about spending some time in prayer and repentance in preparation for the amazing event that is Easter?
Another thought. Those who are "giving up Facebook for Lent" might have misunderstood something...I am not sure about this, but I'd argue that this would only make sense if people do something worthwhile instead, such as praying, spending time with family, reading Scripture, or something else. If it is some kind of 21st century digital age version of giving up chocolate, only to return to it all the more come Easter Sunday, I do not necessarily see the point (I suppose that is true for all "giving up" issues...).
Another, final thought. It strikes me as odd that those in the most "progressive" forms of Christianity who strongly defended observing Ramadan alongside with Muslims, now don't care at all about Lent. Why that is being done - I don't know. It is almost as if another religion's practice is valued higher than the own, and I would be curious about reasons for doing this...