So I fasted from sugar for lent. This is the first time I've fasted from anything during lent. So I wondered what it would... unearth? At first all I noticed was how much I missed sugar, how excutiating it was to smell chocolate or fresh-baked rolls. I decided to place scripture in sugar's old spot - get a belly full of God.
As the days rolled on the sugar tension eased and some questions started to rise up. What was is like for Jesus to enter into this wilderness experience? Was fasting something he'd practiced? Did he intend to fast from food or was he simply dependent on what the Father was providing and food currently wasn't provided?
I also noticed that fasting from sugar for the sake of knowing Christ was far different that fasting from sugar for the sake of my pants size. My motivation and my internal dialogue was different.
As Easter began to draw near I noticed a sense of freedom. Pete and I have been considering some food changes in our household - this time for the sake of our brains. These changes include cutting out sugar and simple carbs. As I began this fast I couldn't wait to get back to eating sugar. Now I find that sugar's hold on me has greatly decreased. Before this lenten experience considering food changes would have been quite difficult. I did partake in sugar on Sunday but it didn't thrill me. What thrilled me was knowing that my Hope is alive.
So I'm wondering... what else? Sugar was a god in my life. There are others. "Wow, I couldn't really imagine living without that." What things do I think that about? Maybe there's freedom beyond those as well. You think?
2 comments:
I do think! I "gave up" television for lent. I knew it would be a change and somewhat of a sacrifice, but I never realized how normal it was for me to sit down and turn on the tv. It was refreshing to break that habit and spend the time focusing my attention on other things. So much freedom. :)
For the eastern orthodox chruch, this week is holy week. Maybe someday you should try the lenten fast of the orthodox. The orthodox fast is not just meat on fridays, but for all of lent, they fast from meat (including chicken and turkey), diary, fish, olive oil, and alcohol.
When you fast as the orthodox do, you find new joy in simple things in life. Baskets of food and wine are brought to the easter service, when the lenten fast ends. Some of my favorite memories are of eating cheese and drinking wine in the church basement at 2am after easter mass.
christos anesti,
the preacher
Post a Comment