It's weird. The 40 days growing closer to God, and then, making
this huge shift after Lent. Everyone does, who participates in a Lenten
discipline. Whether it's giving up something, or adding on something.
There's that sigh of relief because you can go back to drinking soda, or
you don't have to write something every day, or you can eat all of the
Peanut M&Ms your heart desires. You don't have to extend yourself to
that anymore. Right?
During Lent, my father asked me "so, after Lent, what happens?" My heart sank to the ground. Lent is 40 days, but it's only 40 days. I'd grown (very quickly) to love this blog and doing it everyday, even if I accidentally skipped a couple. I'm an overindulgent person already, so I didn't want to risk me doing this forever and then taking it for granted and forgetting what I'm getting out of it. Through Lent, I grew closer to God in ways I didn't think or know were possible. So, why does that sensation have to be designated to Lent? 40 out of the 365 days of the year?
Sure, we only feel the pressure to keep Lenten promises during, well, Lent. But what if we took on a new discipline and stuck with it? Many people do it. All the time. For instance, this year, I started listening to the Daily Audio Bible everyday. Not just when I felt like it or needed it. Everyday. People start working out (as have I). People discipline themselves to better themselves all year.
So, is there danger in keeping a Lenten Promise all year? Honestly, I have no clue. I may end up taking this for granted and gaining nothing from it. Or, I may continue on the path I was on during Lent: A path that drew a lot of questions, but still closer to God. Either way, I'm excited to continue this journey.
Woo!
Mary Taylor
During Lent, my father asked me "so, after Lent, what happens?" My heart sank to the ground. Lent is 40 days, but it's only 40 days. I'd grown (very quickly) to love this blog and doing it everyday, even if I accidentally skipped a couple. I'm an overindulgent person already, so I didn't want to risk me doing this forever and then taking it for granted and forgetting what I'm getting out of it. Through Lent, I grew closer to God in ways I didn't think or know were possible. So, why does that sensation have to be designated to Lent? 40 out of the 365 days of the year?
Sure, we only feel the pressure to keep Lenten promises during, well, Lent. But what if we took on a new discipline and stuck with it? Many people do it. All the time. For instance, this year, I started listening to the Daily Audio Bible everyday. Not just when I felt like it or needed it. Everyday. People start working out (as have I). People discipline themselves to better themselves all year.
So, is there danger in keeping a Lenten Promise all year? Honestly, I have no clue. I may end up taking this for granted and gaining nothing from it. Or, I may continue on the path I was on during Lent: A path that drew a lot of questions, but still closer to God. Either way, I'm excited to continue this journey.
Woo!
Mary Taylor
