Dear Comrades,
Our fast has begun. I hope you had the chance to attend the Ash Wednesday Lenten service this morning. It was profound and moving.
Now that we are fasting you can post here how it is going and what the experience is like. Just describe your feelings, thoughts and lessons learned. You can post as often as you like but try to post at least once a day.
Peace to you
Prof. G.
8 comments:
Here is what I have discovered so far. It's amazing how much our lives revolve around food. Lunch meeting, dinner with family, snacks etc. It is only the first day and already I have to catch myself from eating something. I am trying to train myself to turn my attention to God whenever the thought of food emerges or a hunger pain. Hopefully it will result increased gratitude the abundance in my life.
So far the discomfort is more mental and social. I assume that it will become physical at some point.
I am trying to go with just juices, broth, and possibly some yogurt. Basically any thing one could sip through a straw.
So, how are you all doing so far.
Russ G.
(Be sure to put your name.)
So far I have learned as stated before that, our lives truly do revolve around food!
I didn't realize how much i enjoy lunch and dinner until about right now! :)
I have been sticking with just drinking juice.
I started a journal myself today and during everytime that I would normally have a meal, I go to the prayer chapel and spend some time in prayer.
So far I am excited to see what happens :)
-Megan Bartelson
I have been learning that the less I think about food the easier this is, but even when I smell food now my stomach groans. I have drank water this entire day, and only had an apple before starting the fast. I just drank my first sip of juice, and I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow when the pain really sets in because I will have lots of time to just meditate on God instead of trying to busy myself in class.
I'm going to pray and study my bible tomorrow and really try and listen to God about what direction my life needs to take in the next couple of months getting married and trying to find somewhere to live and trying to figure out my exact major. So yea, I really am looking forward to the time with God tomorrow, and food on Friday!
-Tyler Klein
Russ,
Not sure if this is for a class you are leading or what, but I'll join in with you. You can see my reasoning at www.reclinerramblings.blogspot.com
I've got a Monk in training helping me through all the Catholic jargon and disciplines that I'm too Protestant to understand. It's great!
Grace and Peace
Mike Cline
It's about 4:40 P.M. and I'm not really stuggling at all anymore. I am sure I will once I go to sit with Jena in Baldwin, but for now I'm doing good. I'm actually feeling better than most days, maybe a little drowsy, but good. I've had some good time with the Lord today, been praying whenever I'm hungry, and he's allowed me to get a real good head start on a ton of homework. This is a good day.
-Tyler Klein
"For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Until today, I never quite understood what that meant. I have been through alot of hurt and pain mentally that has made me weak. But, today I have experienced weakness physcially. And through out yesterday and today whenever I feel weak, I turned my thoughts and time toward the Lord. I love being able to spend this much time with the Lord. It has brought me to realization like how we long and need food, we need Jesus just as much. We need Him to be the center of our lives...we need Him! I am loving this experience and it has been a impact on my life :) God is good!
-Megan
Day two wasn't as uncomfortable as I suspected. I am inspired by Tyler and Megan's discipline and use of their fast for focused God time. For me it has definitely increased my recollection of gratitude for plenty and my too cozy relationship with food. It has been easier than I thought though.
I have been reminded how easily we can be tripped up by a Pharisaical attitude. I have been basically consuming only liquids/things I could consume through a straw. (NOT milkshakes) so when I was trying to drink some asparagus soup with out eating the asparagus I accidentally chewed up a piece of asparagus. Instantly Satan or my carnal nature or my Id was jumping on me about cheating or doubts about my ability to sacrifice for God etc. Sheesh, just a piece of asparagus. I felt the dysfunctional logic of the original pharisees and their legalism.
Lastly, I realized how much food is interwoven with my relationships. I didn't know whether I would end my fast at lunch on Friday or Sunday. But, the thought of note getting to eat with my colleagues at the Friday lunch or with Cindy on our Friday night date was disappointing. It wasn't the food as much as what it means to eat with with those you love. This simple fast has heightened my appreciation for the centrality of breaking bread in Christian Fellowship. I think next time I'll plan for us to break our fast in class with some bread and celebration.
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