But I don't mean that disrespectfully. For years, I've felt obliged to start again, right around midnight as I left the cruddy streets of the French Quarter. For every fattening slice of king cake I ingested, every cocktail I guzzled, and for every derogatory term that glided off my tongue, I felt the need for a Lenten promise that would give my life the stability that it needed.
Until a few years ago, that is. I heard a priest confess in a homily his indignation with the idea of temporary sacrifice - though it was an honorable pact made with God. He said however, that instead of making God all these temporary promises, we could actually NOT give up anything! You can imagine the congregation's response. But, in my mind I found this intriguing. Fr. Jacques said we should try to weave in activity that makes God smile - the results would be longer lasting and the joy you get from doing these things would persist longer than 40 days.
I tried it back then and I've decided to be rejuvenated by it again. So, here's a list of things I had stopped doing that I am going to weave into my life FAR PAST the 40 day mark....
1. Pray for the people I had given up on - INTENSE
2. Recommit to my grueling work out, not just one that pacifies my health-conscious psyche.
3. Spend more time with my Godson!
4. RELAX - at least one day of the week.
5. READ
6. Give more hugs and kisses
7. Reconnect to a community service outlet
That about sums it up. And 7 is a great number of new activities to have.
Happy Lenten Season to all.
Hey Joh,
ReplyDeleteThose all sound like great things to do for Lent. I'm giving up oversleeping/sloth which will give me time to volunteer at St. Margaret's and other places.
Have a blessed Lenten season sir.
-Megan Anne