Inspired by Jen Hatmaker’s book “7,” I decided to give up two things for Lent this year: fast food and Facebook. American suffering, I know. It’s pretty ridiculous that when I think of denying myself, these are the things that come to mind.
So, in 40 days (not including Sundays) of not going through the drive through or fanatically checking my phone (while in the drive through), I have learned some things:
I actually do have FOMO. I didn’t think that I was so attached to knowing what everyone else was doing…but I am. Astonishingly, everyone’s life (and mine as well) went on without me knowing about it.
Cooking at home is fun. And cheap!
I have way more “free” time on my hands than I thought. Even so, it was still a struggle to use that time to pray and dig into Scripture. I didn’t realize that I was so used to filling my brain with mindless things.
Our family really likes Subway, which we did not consider fast food, because, you know, I’m not superwoman and sometimes you just need to drive through.
My kids are more important than someone else’s. It’s so easy to scroll through all of the statuses and updates and ignore the beauties that are right in front of me. I am guilty as charged.
Taking time in the morning to focus on my Lord and His Word starts me off way better than spending 20 minutes scrolling and comparing.
Facebook is not community. And it’s not designed to be. There were many days where I felt disconnected, but I pushed myself to call, text and meet (face-to-face, gasp!) with friends.
In Luke 9:23, Jesus says to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This season of Lent was a time of fasting for me, and I pray that we might all identify the things in our lives that are taking away our attention from the cares of the Kingdom.
During Lent, while in the midst of fasting, we also experienced feasting. I daresay that we enjoyed it more because of our fast. Sundays aren’t counted in the 40 days of Lent, and so you better believe that we gladly partook in the most amazingly fresh and salty McDonalds fries after church more than once. Spring Break also happened during Lent, and on our three-day trip to San Antonio, we feasted on amazing Mexican food and Whataburger. And it was amazing!
We are designed to live life in the rhythm of fasting and feasting. God calls us to give things up: food, sleep, idols. And he calls us to feast and celebrate the finest and most pleasurable parts of his creation.
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