Fasting Farewell

Although I was not raised in an environment where Lent was observed, I began to appreciate the meaningful reminders behind this tradition while in college, as I observed the lives of friends. For about three years now, I have chosen to sacrifice something for 40 days to focus my mind and spirit on the grace and love given for me 2000 years ago.

Being here, however, I completely missed Ash Wednesday and the beginning of this season. Even though it is sometimes easier to rely on my Savior in this environment, there are still the every day details, responsibilities, and happenings which often distract me from focusing on Him.

Therefore, so that I may more fully understand and give thanks for the sacrifice given on Good Friday and the joy of Easter morning, I am choosing to spend this next week in deliberate prayer and fasting. Although food is typically the item most often chosen to give up because of the constant pains of hunger which force one to physically and mentally, not just spiritually, rely on Him, the internet is something I have grown even more reliant upon.

So, for 7 days, from Palm Sunday until Easter, I will not be checking my email, reading blogs, posting here, or doing anything else on the computer except accessing files for work. In addition to that, I will be limiting myself to one meal each day, without meat, and only water or tea to drink. (The tea isn't really that much of a treat to me anyway, although I have begun to tolerate it more.) I haven't actually participated in such serious fasting since my sophomore year of college, so I'm praying for physical strength in addition to a spiritual renewal. I understand that fasting may not be the best fit for everyone, but I hope that you too may find some way to re-focus your life on Him this week.

Until the tomb is opened....