Lent is like a six week Sabbath. And Sabbath, though I'm terrible at practicing it, keeps my soul alive. Resting on Sundays -- doing what I must to live but not what I have to do for work -- is the best.
And so, to prepare myself for the holiday that changed my life, I practice Lent. Not because I have some bizarre religious belief or because my church practices it, but because my heart needs it. Because, without preparation, the day/weekend/season wanders by without significance.
And so, I suppose instead of setting New Year's Resolutions each year, I contemplate what I will give up for Lent. I suppose this goes back to the tradition of fasting. And when I've fasted in the past, God has done some mighty things. When my heart is focused, God can move. So what to sacrifice? Sometimes it's chocolate, coffee, or sweets all together. I usually try to find something that will hurt. Something that will remind me of my Lord's sacrifice for me.
This year? Facebook. It sounds silly. But, really, it's extremely practical. Blogging, chatting, emailing are all actually going to get lumped in there with Facebook. Because, they're noisy!
I've noticed how much "noise" is in my life lately. When I used to wait for a friend at a restaurant, I would people watch. Now, I hop on Facebook. When I watched TV at night with my sister, we used to talk. Now we catch up with each other on Facebook (and we live together.) When I have a few extra hours in the evening and I could be reading a book (ie., right now), I blog or read other people's blogs. I don't read my Bible for fun. I do my 15 minutes in the morning like I'm serving time. (And I'm sure that
thrills God. Way to live in relationship, Angela.)
And so, to prepare my heart, to quiet my heart and my world, I'm taking Facebook off of my iPhone (and mySpace for that matter, just to avoid temptation) and logging off until April 11th. And this year, unlike year's past, I'm not "sabbathing" from my Lent. (Technically, one can take Sundays off in recognition of Christs resurrection. And I usually do.) I'm going to go all 46 days. Maybe, instead of posting a wall message, I'll call. Maybe, instead of stalking my friends photos from their weekend, I'll go with them and take photos. And maybe, God and I will find some time to catch up.
So send me an email. Or give me a call. But I won't be on the computer. I'll be resting "offline."
2 comments:
So, I don't think you'll get this until after easter. But, It's a great thing to do. I have always thought that lent was a religious practice that actually made a lot of sense. I definitely don't think you'll be disappointed you did it.
Happy Lent/Easter!
Wow. Impressive. I'm going to have to call you to tell you I'm impressed. Does this also mean that I am going to have to print out my writing and give it to you? Becaue I want you to be updated on my life too!!
Good seeing you this week. Always good seeing you. I'll call you soon. Kiss kiss.
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