I haven’t always practiced Lent in my adult years, but I think any excuse to give up some thing/things is just good for your soul. For me, I realize that I had spent an inordinate amount of time watching videos on my phone. Like – for hours a day on average. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, all the usual suspects. So I gave up mobile video.
I also have gained a bit of weight over the past several years. The idea of starting small — giving up the sugar that starts off every day of my life seemed like a good idea, as well. So I gave up cereal, too.
To say that the last 40 days were a challenge would be an understatement. Every breakfast, I was scrambling to make eggs, burnt-out on making toast, or running out of the door with some orange juice.
Furthermore, after only giving up YouTube, for two or three days, I realized that me watching videos on social media was a massive part of the problem, so I eventually gave those up, too.
I really wish I could tell you that I lost so much weight, and that I learned to lean into God so much more. But I can’t. I will admit that God and I are closer, but the true testament to this fast was in the realization of how much time I ended up spending with my children.
For starters, in an attempt to be supportive of their father, they both gave up cereal for breakfast right alongside me. I am not convinced they know why, but we have talked about it and the reason for Lent and I am glad they did it, anyways.
Also, something I gained has accelerated rapidly over the past three or four weeks: I have just found myself spending hours a day with my kids, whether it’s watching television together (Monk, X-Men from the 90’s, Resident Alien, Bluey, movies), or playing this new board game (called Hogwarts Battle), or just sitting around talking about Minecraft and just making each other laugh. The time we’ve spent is something I didn’t know I was missing and frankly – sucking at. Ryker and Melody are growing up (already 7 and 9!), and I feel like my wonderful, strategic heavenly father knew that being more present and spending time with my kids (in an incredible season when Dad can almost do no wrong) would be summarily, a beautiful endeavor.
This morning, my heart is full and I’m in a state of gratitude. Hope this motivates/inspires someone to plug into whatever their next step is. Read a verse. Pray a prayer. Talk to someone about God.