I’ve been writing a lot about what we could do for Lent, so now it’s time for me to pony up and let you know what I am doing for Lent.
This year for Lent I’m doing two things, I’m giving something up and I’m adding something (aside from the reflection that is just a part of a Lenten Commitment).
This year I’m giving up driving motorized vehicles. I’m giving up the easiest way to get from point A to point B. And before you start freaking out Ash, I’m allowing some conditions with this Lenten commitment.
As some of you know I drive Ashley to and from the train every week day. I’ve made jokes about having her ride on my handlebars early in the morning. Hopefully some of you thought that it was funny because she did not! So I’m allowing that condition, I’ll drop her off and pick her up in the car.
And obviously there isn’t a whole lot of weather protection riding a bike. Depending on the importance of my presence at a certain venue and the quality of the weather, I may drive (this is starting to sound like a pretty weak commitment!).
What do I get out of it? I’ll have to work on my scheduling, I’ll have to bum rides from people for longer trips if I have to take them, I’ll wear out my shoes when I have to walk and I’ll have to go out and buy a bike chain! But it will also give me long opportunities to draw my attention to God while I’m taking the long way around transportation, which is important for me when I make a Lent commitment for myself.
I’m also adding something. I’m adding a time of written reflection on Lent and whatever comes to me through the day. I’ll be writing in many different places; journals, sometimes here at this blog, church bulletins, you name it I’ll be writing in/on it. So keep your eyes peeled!
Now it’s your turn, if you feel up to it let me know what you are doing for Lent. And this Ash Wednesday let’s start this time of fasting together.
Wow, Robbie, quite a commitment. Many people I talk to get the idea of going without something. And maybe even how the discipline of denial will strengthen them. But so many seem to miss the other purpose: how the denial will cause them to focus more on God. Not eating chocolate for example may be a very difficult thing to do, but are you really experiencing any type of discomfort or real change in your life? Every time you think about chocolate, is that extend time you spend thinking about, drawing closer to, or experiencing God? Lent is a time to refocus on Christ and in some way share in his temptations and suffering. While I know you would say this small act should not be compared as temptation or suffering it is one of the more honest, real, and challenging Lent decisions I've heard. Godspeed.
Thanks Patty. We really try to emphasize this with people here at our church. Some people will do food related commitments and that's fine. The key is what you do to replace it.
Obviously there is a void even with something simple as chocolate. The question is do we fill that void with? Do we ache and complain about the lack of _______ (of course we do on some level) or do we take time to remember why we are fasting in the first place. That's the direction we are moving in right now.
Are you doing anything for Lent this year?
I'm not. I have never done anything. I fear my lack of discipline. I see in my mind how I will fail before I even start so I don't start. I already set too many goals in my life daily, with limited success. The Ash Wednesday service I attended last night in Berkeley focused on how we hide behind things in our lives, how we all concern ourselves with this or that for acceptance. Lots of freedom and energy when we release some of this pretense and just be. What did they say in the 70's "let go and let God"? Maybe less focus on me and more on what God can do? Going to give this some real thought and prayer today.
Try it out. In the end we are going to fail in some things, I really don't think that I'm going to be able to not drive the entire time (heck I've already made concessions). I'm trying to figure out how I can get my taxes done in Santa Clara on March 2nd at 8:00am. I'm not sure that public trans can get me from Fremont to Santa Clara but I'm gonna try.
Start off simple, don't watch a TV show and pray or meditate on God. 30 minutes a week of a Lent commitment is easier concept to wrap our minds around than 40 days! Give it a whirl.