WAKE UP!!

I was informed last week that I haven't written a blog in over a month (actually, it's been 2). And since only one person reads my blog anyway, what does it matter huh? I guess it matters to her, and honestly, it matters to me a little too. I want to write more, just never find the time to do it, or topic to write about.

But today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I recieved an email through my seminary email about the Asbury Lent/Easter reader and asked them to send me one. In reading today's reading and watching the little video (www.asburyreader.com), I learned that "Lent is a fire alarm, a wake up call, a closer brush with the death that leads to life." It is designed to interrupt our normal patterns of daily life in a way to allow us to focus on the sacrifice Christ made for us.

I have a diagnosis of narcolepsy--a sleep disorder characterized by "excessive daytime sleepiness." This week has been an especially sleepy one for me (probably would help if I'd work on getting my bedtime earlier again). Today, I had the thought that I really want to wake up! I'm tired of being tired. One characteristic of narcolepsy is the ability to go on "autopilot" and still do routine activities even though in sleeplike states. I miss things when I'm sleepy (as evidenced by the stack of reports I turned in with corrections today).

Too often, I go on autopilot in my spiritual life too. I get into a routine and I miss stuff. I miss out on things God is trying to tell me through nature, through people/events around me, through his Word, or through that still small voice. I don't want to miss God. I need to WAKE UP! Lent is designed to get Christian's off autopilot and out of their sleeplike state by breaking routines--doing something different--getting to know God better and seeing what He has to say to us.

It is common to hear people talk of fasting or "what they are giving up for Lent." Fasting is meant to be a way to deny ourselves things of the world in order to identify with Christ's suffering and develop an appetite for God.

In addition to (or instead of) "giving up" something for Lent, Christians may add something to thier daily routine that will enhance their spiritual life. This is one reason I requested the Lent/Easter reader. I have thought and considered various things I might "give up" this year for Lent. Typically, I say I'm giving up something and I don't do very well keeping it. Hopefully, with this blog, I will stay accountable by letting you know the progress--and what I am learning.

So, my plan for Lent this year (for the next 40 days, not counting Sundays as they are "little easters"):

1) to give up dessert -- I like my dessert, especially at NMRC cafeteria, but this is something I think I can do
2) to fast during lunch on Fridays -- i would like to get to where I can fast 24 hours at a time, but I am not sure I will be able to do that yet. I am going to try to start small so I don't get frustrated. And fasting lunch will be difficult for me--missing the social time will be as difficult if not moreso than missing the food.
3) to read the Asbury reader every day -- you can too, if you'd like to read online www.asburyreader.com
4) to read the daily Bible readings our church is reading at least 3 days a week--I really should do this everyday, but I'm shooting for at least 3 days a week.
5) to blog at least once a week and let you in cyberworld know what I'm learning.

WoW that's a lot!! Especially along with the class I'm taking this semester. I look at it now and think I can't do all of that! If I don't, I won't beat myself up about it, but I'm gonna try, and I trust that I will see God!!