Results from my weekend survey question, “what are you fasting from?” …
0.0% coffee
5.4% celery
8.1% chocolate
8.1% meat
10.8% sweets
13.5% pop
18.9% snacks
54.1% nothing
These items were added in the “other” category:
- profanities!
- I’m giving up my free evenings to my friends, to be their free, on call babysitter.
- Trying to pray more and be more disciplined in that
- Television, phonecalls, visits
- trying not to be judgemental
- my own body, 9 months pregnant does not allow for much fasting or any of the good stuff either
- mac n cheese
- following weight watchers (not sure this counts - but in a way it’s fasting from all of the above) and reading a book on an enthomusicological approach to Gregorian Chant
- biscuits and recording all money I spend
- reading trashy novels
- music in the car
- my bed as an act of humility
- Fear (it’s not as smart-alecky as it sounds)
- Not fasting, but adding bible reading and extra prayers
- Time - I’m spending more time in constructive ways like reading scripture and service.
- trying to do some of the carbon and clutter fast
- I don’t participate in lent
- alcohol
- less computer time, more time praying
- control
- praying the Divine Office more
- I’m fasting from not counting my blessings
- MP3 player
- cookies
- tv
- french fries
- Impatience
- clutter
- swearing
- criticism of others
I am truly inspired as I read through these fasts. The people who wrote these really show how the Spirit calls each of us to a specific way of fasting and taking spiritual inventory during Lent. Their fasts are a reminder that fasting is not so much about “giving up something” but freeing ourselves to be most fully ourselves.
Come Easter, I’m going to want to know what are you doing to celebrate! Just as during Lent we fast, we take a good look at where we are at with life and God, so to during the spectacular season of Easter I think we should take stock of our joys and blessings, and “indulge” in the good things that bring us closer to God and one another.
Blessings to those of you who are fasting this Lent. Be encouraged.
"She wrote the way she lived: on the fly, without retrospect, always on the way, climbing higher."
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
What neat insights into Lent…I’ve always wanted to give up meat for an entire Lent but have been somewhat leery of what might happen to my sanity!
These are great. But I must share with you a comment of a member of a church I used to pastor. I asked her something about how the church was doing. She replied, “I don’t know. This year I gave up church for Lent.”
Thanks for the “Lenten Fasts” post~see you again in Easter Season. Blessings :).
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