Comment #1616

2009-02-28T16:25:39Z

Not to worry. :) I have no consistent, well-thought out philosophy of Lenten discipline. The overarching goal is to get closer to God, or perhaps allowing him to get closer to me is a better way of putting it. One avenue in that direction is any form of fasting in which I consciously say no to my desires. In former times, few people thought about exercising—daily life was exercise enough. But now most of us must make a conscious choice to exercise because the natural opportunities aren't there. Similarly, people had plenty of situations in which practicing self-denial was more obviously important than it is now: overeating might lead to running out of food until next harvest, instead of running to the grocery store. One of the weaknesses of our society is borne of our ability to get what we want when we want it, and a Lenten fast of any sort gives me a good opportunity to exercise those unused "muscles." That's also why I play the "goldfish game" with Jonathan and Noah: They get one goldfish cracker, which they can eat immediately if they wish, but if they hold onto it for a given time (varying, depending on age and situation), they'll get a second cracker. Just a small exercise in delayed gratification. In itself, this kind of fast does not obviously and directly lead me closer to God, but it lays a foundation for further growth.

The positive disciplines are the other side of the coin, another opportunity for God to work in my life in different way—a window opened or a door left ajar for him to use as he pleases.

Deprivation exercises mean different things to different people. Many people have said that fasting from food, for example, gives them more time to pray, and being hungry reminds them to think about God. It doesn't work that way for me. Thinking about God is natural and ongoing, but being hungry makes me think about being hungry.

As I said, I have nothing authoritative to say about Lent, but having come to the observance late in life I'm feeling free to make of it what seems to work best for me, as long as I stay within the general guidelines of repentance, self-examination, and being open to whatever God might choose to do through the process.

I'd love to know your thoughts, and those of others who wish to share.

Comment #1615

2009-02-28T15:10:17Z

It seems that two of your resolutions, turning off the computer and reading more, are ones that you have chosen to have a positive impact on your life. However, the one where you give up reading/puzzles while eating seems to be one simply of deprivation.

Do you think Lent should be a time of sacrifice or should it be one of improvement? I fear I am not saying this correctly. I know some people, instead of giving something up, do something positive to affect change, and not necessarily in their own lives.

So, what do you think the resolutions should accomplish? Do the changes you make like less computer, more reading allow you to spend more time drawing closer to God?

This is something I am curious about, but I think that the tone of the way I have written it may come across as being more confrontational. Please understand that it is not meant to be that way.

Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/lent-2009

Comment #1616

Comment #1615