It is hard to believe that we are in the fourth week of Lent – already. The days seem to be running faster than normal. Perhaps it’s time that we start fast-ing for Lent. A story is told of a safari in the Serengeti. A researcher was rushing to the mating grounds of the African elephant. He had started late and pushed his porters relentlessly to arrive by mating season. On the fourth day, the porters sat down and refused to move. The translator explained they would go no farther until they had given their spirits time to catch up with them.
We live in a world where “fast” has a whole different meaning from its Lenten definition. We are a nation in a hurry. We drive 5 miles over the speed limit no matter what the speed limit is. Our rushing has created a whole new disease. Last year alone, road rage claimed over 1,500 victims.
This Lent, for at least one day, try fasting from “fast-ing,” the rushing that drains so much more than it accomplishes. Try driving the speed limit and using the extra minutes on the drive to work to get in touch with God. Instead of beeping the horn, say a prayer for the people who cut you off on the road. Instead of getting annoyed with the slow cashier and changing lines, try greeting that person with a gentle smile. Fast from fast food. Eat a good meal with family or friends and take time to enjoy each taste and each person. You won’t loose weight, but your burdens may feel lighter. You might even find your spirit will catch up with you! ~Kathleen O. Chesto
Let’s take the remainder of Lent to really slow down and fast from the fast. If we are able to slow our pace, we just might experience the presence of Jesus throughout our day. All it takes is just a little bit of effort to shift our routines, rethink our daily steps, and truly witness the love of God in all that we experience and encounter.
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. ~Matthew 11:28
Lent is the perfect time to re-evaluate our spiritual lives. Find out how.
