Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Choosing to not fast


I always look forward to today: Ash Wednesday. Since starting the practice of observing a Lenten fast, I've grown to love the tradition and have a found a deep connection with God during the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter.

But this year, I've decided not to fast, for a few reasons. The first is that I feel the greatest need in my life is to continue to adopt the practice of fixed hour prayer and incorporate it more into my daily routine.

But I've also been thinking about how I have used fasting as a sort of spiritual crutch in the past. It was a measurent, a feel good, a way that I could assure myself that I was "ok." I think fasting has many benefits and I will continue the practice, but this year I want to be excited and anticipate Good Friday and Easter not because I will finally get to eat chocolate or drink coffee, but because the resurrection will have become a part of my daily and even hourly life.

Simply because I love God.

*Update: If I were to fast, I think this would be it - I may adopt some of these changes this month anyway - great site.

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