I’m reminded of a line from an old hymn used in our church: Do All in the Name of the Lord. “What e’r you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.” 😊
Lovely stuff, Garret. I expected more of a diary form, ie. today I have a headache, today I am not as thirsty as I normally am, today I could barely get out of bed... that kind of thing. Interspersed, of course, with your thoughts on faith and discipline, etc. But your journey through fasting scripture was a riveting gift that just kept on giving. Of course, we differ on basics, since the Catholic bible has 73 books not 66, and I went through a year with Rev. Mike Schmitz to enjoy it fully, but I am intrigued with your back and forth about sharing the process. As a Roman Catholic, I have fasted from age 7. Meaning it's no big deal. Lent occurs around the world every year at the same time, so I love that my German or Italian or French or Australian fellow Catholics are doing the same thing at the same time for the same reason, from age 7 to age 70, no exceptions, not even carrying my babies. Modified but resolute. The concept is that 'discipline on the small things leads to discipline on the big things'. Forming the habit in youth was essential to the mindset I have carried for over fifty years. All by God's grace and Church teaching. It unifies everyone in their struggle and sacrifice. I can still hear Mum's voice saying, 'Offer it up' and she's been in her grave since 2008. She suffered no fools, as a convert.
PS - I tried not to say too much, all the while reading your impressions. Opinions are not valid here. Just hearing and listening and walking alongside your story is far more gratifying and impactful. Bravo.
I took the rabbit trail of A Pagan and a Christian Walk into a Christmas Party - Gotta circle back to finish it though. Very good. I love stuff like that - reviewing the ancient history of how the heck we got here. It's worth the journey back.
I’m reminded of a line from an old hymn used in our church: Do All in the Name of the Lord. “What e’r you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord.” 😊
Lovely stuff, Garret. I expected more of a diary form, ie. today I have a headache, today I am not as thirsty as I normally am, today I could barely get out of bed... that kind of thing. Interspersed, of course, with your thoughts on faith and discipline, etc. But your journey through fasting scripture was a riveting gift that just kept on giving. Of course, we differ on basics, since the Catholic bible has 73 books not 66, and I went through a year with Rev. Mike Schmitz to enjoy it fully, but I am intrigued with your back and forth about sharing the process. As a Roman Catholic, I have fasted from age 7. Meaning it's no big deal. Lent occurs around the world every year at the same time, so I love that my German or Italian or French or Australian fellow Catholics are doing the same thing at the same time for the same reason, from age 7 to age 70, no exceptions, not even carrying my babies. Modified but resolute. The concept is that 'discipline on the small things leads to discipline on the big things'. Forming the habit in youth was essential to the mindset I have carried for over fifty years. All by God's grace and Church teaching. It unifies everyone in their struggle and sacrifice. I can still hear Mum's voice saying, 'Offer it up' and she's been in her grave since 2008. She suffered no fools, as a convert.
PS - I tried not to say too much, all the while reading your impressions. Opinions are not valid here. Just hearing and listening and walking alongside your story is far more gratifying and impactful. Bravo.
I took the rabbit trail of A Pagan and a Christian Walk into a Christmas Party - Gotta circle back to finish it though. Very good. I love stuff like that - reviewing the ancient history of how the heck we got here. It's worth the journey back.
I enjoyed writing that one. Seems so long ago already.