Thursday, February 23, 2012

Lent 2012

Yesterday was Wednesday, February 22, 2012. It is the first day of Lent. I've come to do the same thing each year for Lent. I've given up junk food, pop, and the like. I find with Lent that it's easy to be conscious about eating and drinking such things because I actually think about it. But other times, I just eat or drink it without thinking twice about it. Sure it's easy to not partake in any of things when you make a conscious effort not to. But it's also easy to partake in these things when you disengage your mind. Maybe I'm putting to much into that part of it, but not enough into the actual journey of the fasting from these items.

Are you a person that actually values the journey? Or are you a person that just gives up something because you think that's what you should do? As for me, I value the journey, but not like I should. I feel as sense of satisfaction when I finish Lent. But is that really enough? I understand God will love us for our sacrifice. Is that truly enough? There is more I can do, but getting motivated to start and continue can be tough. Having a permanent Lent takes a lot will power. If you think otherwise than you are a liar.  Or you are this perfect being that doesn't have anything they need to fast or abstain from anything?

I notice people do give up things because it's Lent.  We all need to be conscious of the journey because we'd get more out of it.   But as I said, I need to be more conscious of it too.  This is a process that I might never get truly right.  That is part of the journey.  I hope I can discover more about myself during this time of Lent.  I never have in the past when I've done Lent.  Whatever you choose to fast from, I hope it turns out to successful.

3 comments:

  1. "Are you a person that at actually values the journey? Or are you a person that just gives up something because you think that's what you should do?"

    This is immediately what I thought of. Heart-warming and profound.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeQU3bEI-xk

    "We all need to be conscious of the journey because we'd get more out of it."

    I agree. Giving things up can be a good practice in discipline and willpower but if we're not clear on where we're going and what the journey is about then we can miss out on perhaps the most significant parts.

    Sounds like you're on the right track being aware of and considering these things. I'd be interested in hearing more of your thoughts on the Lenten journey as you progress through it.

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  2. Chris, I gotta say.. well said: "Are you a person that actually values the journey? Or are you a person that just gives up something because you think that's what you should do?" I noticed this a little while ago, whether it be about quitting fast-food or quitting smoking or finishing something you've started, once YOU want to do it, everything else will fall into place. You'll actually enjoy the journey as apposed to loath it.

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  3. Cliff, it's interesting you pose those questions, that I posed, to me. I don't loathe the journey because it's not like an "UGH, I have to do it." I want to do it. If you go into Lent with the mindset that you want to do and are looking forward to it, than you will enjoy and value the journey.

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