Earlier this week, I read our weekly church bulletin and realized that this is the last Sunday before Lent begins this Wednesday. My first reaction was excitement, we call it Jazz Sunday and our church does a bang-up job with the music. Trumpets and drums and great hymns -- A Closer Walk With Thee and When the Saints Go Marching In. Its a great service.
I went to church today to pick up the lessons for tomorrow's service when I'll read them out loud at one of the services and then assist with the chalice at communion. This is the last time I'm serving as I've asked to be left off of the next cycle for lay reading. I may or may not ask to be included the cycle after that -- I'll see what happens and where I'm led.
The Old Testament lesson is from the book of Exodus, when Moses goes up onto Mt. Sinai to receive the ten commandments. He is up there for 40 days and 40 nights. This brought the idea of Lent to the forefront of my mind and I thought that perhaps I should give up something for Lent. I've never really done this before, my churches have never really pushed it and I'm not one for grand gestures or denial. Almost immediately I thought, I should give up blogging for Lent. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I really didn't want to and the more I realized that I must. You may wonder what the big deal is, I don't write all that much on my blog, but in giving up blogging, I also plan to give up reading and commenting on blogs. This is the part that hurts.
My mind is pelted with various thoughts on the matter, the passage on Lent in Girl Meets God, a comment from my friend Meredith on another blog, the nagging knowledge that I'm ignoring my kids a bit too much.
I write this to signal my break from blogging -- I will not post on my blog, nor will I read or comment on others -- beginning on Wednesday. Of course, you may still contact me via e-mail (I'm not giving up the computer).
I talk too much and most of the time I have nothing to say. This is no surprise to anyone who reads this blog. I hope after Lent, that I will have learned something from this silence.
All that said, I have to note a potential carve-out. I am a member of a scripture study blog and am considering keeping up with that blog, both as a reader and poster/commentor. I don't think this would break the spirit of my fast, but I'd certainly consider any comments you have.
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 9 and ends, well thats another topic for discussion...Easter is March 27.
4 comments:
it makes me feel sad too, the idea of cutting off other people, but you can always e-mail me (please, e-mail me!).
I'm not sure I will make an exception for the scripture study, I will ask them what they think since its a team effort (I sort of passively did that with this post, I know a few of them read this blog).
The reasoning for the exception would be that Lent is a religious season and the scripture study blog is focused on the Bible, an activity I might want to continue during Lent (of course, I could do this on my own). Another reason for the fast is so I would focus more on God and my spirituality, which seems to be running away from me at the moment (or I'm running away from it). The scripture study blog might actually contribute to that focus.
Howdy.
You don't speak about nothing you know. You remind us taht teh little things in life can be as important as anything else -- or more so. Children are little. Yet if we do not teach them where will they learn? And what?
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. (Luke 1:46-51--the magnificat)
P.S. Blessings on your Lenten journey. May he lead you into good places.
Marjorie, We went to the beach on Mardi Gras. Talking to Ellie about fasting-- she suggested that I give up cussing (I really have a bad mouth from years in the service, although I desisted while acting as a pastor.) So I've agreed to give up 'damn'.
Re blogging: I must say our group is my primary spiritual community, and I feel no leading to sacrifice it. But you're someone else I know God will lead you rightly; if he's leading you to spend more time with your children, yes, yes.
This is the first time in many years that I've given a thought to Lent. Love to you, your children, and Tom.
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