Apologies and fasts
Hello friends. I feel like a public apology is in order. After all, if the offense is public, so should the apology be. A few days ago I posted some jokes about Myrtle Beach. I made so many jokes about the trip. It was all in fun, but it was also an exhibition of pride and ungratefulness. Is Myrtle Beach my favorite place? No, and that's okay. It never will be. It's not my preference, and I don't apologize for that. But to act like I'm better than Myrtle Beach? Well, that's not okay. It's snobbery and pretentiousness, which is exactly what I do not want to be. My preferences are not the standard for anyone. I alienated people and made them feel judged for liking something that I do not care for, and for that, I am deeply sorry. If my friends out there love Myrtle Beach, then that's wonderful. It has a lot of great things to offer. I always loved going when I was growing up. I promise I will not roll my eyes if you tell me you're going there for vacation, not even on the inside. My attitude was completely wrong on this one, and I assure you, it's been adjusted.
As for the ingratitude, I mean, I have no excuse. Seriously, I mocked a vacation that we were able to take. We happened to be in a position where my husband had a paid holiday, my son had no classes, and we could spring for a short trip with friends to the beach. It's not like we were packing for a trip with babies which includes squeezing half your home in your car. I didn't even carry bags up to our room because the kids and a friend took everything up for me. When we went to the pool, we sat with our friends in the hot tub and chatted while our kids played in the lazy river and the pool. They were old enough that I didn't have to have them within arms reach. It was nice, and it took me too long to appreciate the gift that those two short days were. Basically, I'm truly sorry for being a pretentious, ungrateful snob in the last week. It was not honoring to Jesus in the least, and for that, I am deeply disappointed in myself.
Sigh. Okay, enough of that. So, at church this past Sunday our pastor challenged everyone to choose some sort of fast: a 24 hour food fast, a Lent fast, or a year fast. I should add that he actually challenged everyone to do this before Lent started, but I missed that Sunday because Tommy got a head injury. I was a week late on this bandwagon. Anyway. I've been thinking about what kind of fast to do. Honestly, I wish I could do a vow of silence like Sister Evangelina on Call the Midwife. =) I identify with her the most, and sometimes people like me and Sister Evangelina need to shut up, sit down, and keep our opinions to ourselves for awhile. That's not realistic for me because...kids. And I tutor. I don't think my students would appreciate a vow of silence. Seriously though, I wish I could.
Since total silence is not a realistic choice, I considered the best way to implement the spirit of a speech fast that makes me refocus my words towards things that are true, good, and thoughtful. Ultimately, I've decided on my fast, and although I started late, I will continue through the Lenten season. I'm not going to share what it is because I think scripture is pretty clear about not announcing our fasts to the world. I'll share with a few close friends that will pray with me and keep me accountable, but, I think....the grand announcement is the exact opposite of what a fast is supposed to be about. So there ya go. I'm not telling you. =)
Finally, I planned on sharing some posts on prayer throughout the year, and I haven't forgotten. Everywhere I turn I seem to be getting hit with this topic so it's obviously something God is bringing to my attention. I'm still working on a few things so I hope to have my "thoughts and prayers" post up soon. And I suppose that's all. Until next time!
As for the ingratitude, I mean, I have no excuse. Seriously, I mocked a vacation that we were able to take. We happened to be in a position where my husband had a paid holiday, my son had no classes, and we could spring for a short trip with friends to the beach. It's not like we were packing for a trip with babies which includes squeezing half your home in your car. I didn't even carry bags up to our room because the kids and a friend took everything up for me. When we went to the pool, we sat with our friends in the hot tub and chatted while our kids played in the lazy river and the pool. They were old enough that I didn't have to have them within arms reach. It was nice, and it took me too long to appreciate the gift that those two short days were. Basically, I'm truly sorry for being a pretentious, ungrateful snob in the last week. It was not honoring to Jesus in the least, and for that, I am deeply disappointed in myself.
Sigh. Okay, enough of that. So, at church this past Sunday our pastor challenged everyone to choose some sort of fast: a 24 hour food fast, a Lent fast, or a year fast. I should add that he actually challenged everyone to do this before Lent started, but I missed that Sunday because Tommy got a head injury. I was a week late on this bandwagon. Anyway. I've been thinking about what kind of fast to do. Honestly, I wish I could do a vow of silence like Sister Evangelina on Call the Midwife. =) I identify with her the most, and sometimes people like me and Sister Evangelina need to shut up, sit down, and keep our opinions to ourselves for awhile. That's not realistic for me because...kids. And I tutor. I don't think my students would appreciate a vow of silence. Seriously though, I wish I could.
Since total silence is not a realistic choice, I considered the best way to implement the spirit of a speech fast that makes me refocus my words towards things that are true, good, and thoughtful. Ultimately, I've decided on my fast, and although I started late, I will continue through the Lenten season. I'm not going to share what it is because I think scripture is pretty clear about not announcing our fasts to the world. I'll share with a few close friends that will pray with me and keep me accountable, but, I think....the grand announcement is the exact opposite of what a fast is supposed to be about. So there ya go. I'm not telling you. =)
Finally, I planned on sharing some posts on prayer throughout the year, and I haven't forgotten. Everywhere I turn I seem to be getting hit with this topic so it's obviously something God is bringing to my attention. I'm still working on a few things so I hope to have my "thoughts and prayers" post up soon. And I suppose that's all. Until next time!
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