Ah, Lent...

[the_squid_kid]

Lots of people have asked me what I have given up for Lent, but I'm really not sure what to answer. At first I had decided that rather than giving something up, I would devote myself to doing something. So, I decided that I would start to work on my time-management skills and be a bit more dedicated to my classwork. My 'Lent Resolution' was to

Comments

[gwydion01]

I applaud you. You are by far one of the most clear headed and true-spirited Christians I know. In the age where we worship at the altar of the microwave dinner and pledge fealty to the reality TV gods, it is hard even for we Pagans, who tend to be self directed to remember the purpose of our Faith. I can scarce imagine the difficulty a Christian must have, especially considering how "automated" the religion has become for many of them, ie told when they need to do something, what exactly to do and how to do it according to a well trodden and lain out dogma. Your realization that Lent isn't about simply giving something up, that it is a form of fast to reaffirm dedication and nourishment of the soul and that it is your True Will that matters, your devotion to Spirit, rather then following some prescribed ritual to the letter.

[steve_angrisano]

Now I read somewhere, I'm not quite sure where, but that the idea of Lent is not to just "give something up," but to make something more of yourself. Hrmm, let's see if I can word that more like I read it, okay, the idea is to become closer to one's spiritual being of choice (sorry, if that's to "Political Correct for you, but I've met all types of people with a multitude of religions (all with such convection that they all believe they're right) that I when it comes to religion I make sure not to mention a single one, but all that I can). You can do this in anyway possible, the idea of giving up is to give up some sort of daily routine that is not important; so that you may devote more time to what is important, family, friends, spiritual growth. Yes, that I do remember, do not think this is all about your deity of choice, but it is to allow us to grow more connected to those around us who are really important

[gwydion01]

Faith is better as an idea then a Religion.

Rufus the 13th apostle FTW!

[steve_angrisano]

Ah, but there in lies a problem. What do you have faith in? It works a lot like trust, do you put your trust, or faith, into the human condition? Something that has shown time and time again the ability for compassion, love, caring, adaptation, growth, evolution? But wait, what about their unending determination to kill themselves and their planet with lax environmental policies and endless wars and conflicts? That doesn't sound like a safe bet to me, its a longshot at best, but not entirely a wasted bet

[gwydion01]

Who cares, as long as you have Faith. It's a personal thing. The fact that you have it, even if it is in the fact that there is nothing else out there and all you have is yourself, is what's important.