;)
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Wednesday
06Feb
ash wednesday
Today, our family observes Ash Wednesday - the first day of lent. From the time I was Ellen’s age, we always gave up sweets for lent. My brother, sisters and I spent forty long days planning our attack on the Easter baskets: “I’m gonna eat the jelly beans first.” “No way, man. I’m going for the robin eggs.”
I never understood exactly why we did it, but we did and it seemed meaningful in an “at least we’re in the same sad, sugar-free boat” kinda way.
Part of my 2007 fall apart/fall back together, was spiritually re-engaging with God, my life and the world at large. I wasn't motivated by the fear of not going to church or by a new certainty of belief; fear and certainty actually led me away from my faith. I was spiritually inspired by the ideas of love, grace, joy and gratitude.
As I contemplated what to do for lent this year, I decided to focus on joy and gratitude. After reflecting and praying about it, I realized that my greatest barriers to joy and gratitude are fear and “busyness.” Of course, for me, the two go hand in hand: I can easily become afraid of how uncertain and vulnerable life is, so I stay really busy in order to feel “in control” and to minimize the feelings of vulnerability. The downside is that I’m so busy, I forget to create and appreciate joy.
So, for lent this year, I’m giving up a little bit of the fear and busyness that gets in my way of joy and gratitude.
First, I'm afraid of my Canon Rebel (and photography in general). I don’t understand how to make a photograph reflect what I’m seeing and any mention of aperture or shutter speed completely shuts me down. Even with all of these hurdles, photographs bring me (and my family) great joy. For lent, I’ve signed up for 4 photography classes (all before Easter).
Second, I love buying cards. I think a good card is like a little piece of art or poetry that comes with an envelope. I started colecting cards because I used to be really good at actually sending them. I haven’t sent a card in a couple of years (too busy, you understand). For lent, I’m going to start sending cards again – at least one card per week.
My hope is that, by Easter, I’ve developed some habits and invited more love and gratitude into my life. We'll see.
I never understood exactly why we did it, but we did and it seemed meaningful in an “at least we’re in the same sad, sugar-free boat” kinda way.
Part of my 2007 fall apart/fall back together, was spiritually re-engaging with God, my life and the world at large. I wasn't motivated by the fear of not going to church or by a new certainty of belief; fear and certainty actually led me away from my faith. I was spiritually inspired by the ideas of love, grace, joy and gratitude.
As I contemplated what to do for lent this year, I decided to focus on joy and gratitude. After reflecting and praying about it, I realized that my greatest barriers to joy and gratitude are fear and “busyness.” Of course, for me, the two go hand in hand: I can easily become afraid of how uncertain and vulnerable life is, so I stay really busy in order to feel “in control” and to minimize the feelings of vulnerability. The downside is that I’m so busy, I forget to create and appreciate joy.
So, for lent this year, I’m giving up a little bit of the fear and busyness that gets in my way of joy and gratitude.
First, I'm afraid of my Canon Rebel (and photography in general). I don’t understand how to make a photograph reflect what I’m seeing and any mention of aperture or shutter speed completely shuts me down. Even with all of these hurdles, photographs bring me (and my family) great joy. For lent, I’ve signed up for 4 photography classes (all before Easter).
Second, I love buying cards. I think a good card is like a little piece of art or poetry that comes with an envelope. I started colecting cards because I used to be really good at actually sending them. I haven’t sent a card in a couple of years (too busy, you understand). For lent, I’m going to start sending cards again – at least one card per week.
My hope is that, by Easter, I’ve developed some habits and invited more love and gratitude into my life. We'll see.
02.6.2008
Reader Comments (3)
Every single year I always give up chocolate. Every. Single. Year. This lent is no different. I believe that giving something up that is a sacrifice to me is to be a very, tiny, eensy, weensy bit like God who gave up his Son for our eternal life.
But, I LOVE the part about adding things to your life...not just giving things up. So. I'm copying your card-giving idea. I ADORE hand-making cards myself. Why not share that joy with those I love?
Splendid insight...
This was the benediction this past Sunday at my church. When exhaled at the FAST & inhaled at the FEAST. It was a powerful meditation for me, so I thought I would share.
LENT
A Season for FASTING, A Season for FEASTING
FAST from judging others; FEAST on Christ living in them
FAST from harsh words; FEAST on words that build up others
FAST from discontent; FEAST on gratitude.
FAST from anger; FEAST on patience
FAST from pessimism; FEAST on optimism
FAST from judging others; FEAST on Christ living in them
FAST from harsh words; FEAST on words that build up others
FAST from discontent; FEAST on gratitude.
FAST from anger; FEAST on patience
FAST from pessimism; FEAST on optimism
FAST from worry; FEAST on God’s care.
FAST from complaining; FEAST on appreciation
FAST from bitterness ; FEAST on forgiveness
FAST from self-concern; FEAST on compassion for others
FAST from discouragement; FEAST on hope
FAST from facts that depress; FEAST on facts that uplift
FAST from suspicion; FEAST on truth
FAST from thoughts that weaken; FEAST on promises that inspire
FAST from idle gossip; FEAST on silence with a purpose
saba - I just love this!!! thank you for sharing it.