Since the very first day I have felt as thought this period of Lent was a preparatory process for something to come. I have been getting an education so that I can move on to the next level. I have gained muscle, lost weight, built endurance, learned about sacrifice, and above all, strengthened my relationship with God.
One of the biggest things I learned about was sacrifice. I deliberately gave up certain things and habits. However the sacrifices were much bigger than giving up chocolate or fried foods. Rather, the sacrifice was felt in the peripheral things I had to give up. Whenever I was out running, I had to give up a few minutes at home with my wife and boys or even time spent sleeping. Giving up certain things meant that I couldn’t enjoy certain times with friends and family as much as I would have liked. Even though they were numerous this year, these small sacrifices make me really appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus made for each of us: his gave his life for you and me.
The question almost goes without asking, what next? The biggest thing I was trying to give up was laziness. Well, on this 47th day, I rested. I ate a delightful meal at O’Neal’s with family and friends. For dinner, I grilled the best hamburgers with sautéed onions and melted pepper jack cheese with jalapeños . . . and then the whole family went for a 4.5K walk. It took us almost an hour, but the four of us and the dogs had a great time enjoying each other’s company. I don’t know if I will have the determination to keep this going daily until next Ash Wednesday, but I will remember one important thing my big brother Dean taught me. Do one thing everyday to get your heart rate up; it doesn’t matter what you do, just get your heart rate up. Even if all you do is go for a blissful walk with your spouse, children, dogs, or even God. There is nothing more invigorating.
No matter what I do, how much I dedicate myself, commit my actions, and focus my thoughts, I cannot get any closer to God through any amount of action or inaction. The only thing that matters is what’s in my heart: that faith in Jesus for what He did on this day about 2,000 years ago. For that I will always be thankful.
I have exceeded my weight loss goal. I wanted to lose 12 pounds, and I lost 22 pounds. The last two pounds was from doing a 40 hour Fast from Friday night through Sunday morning. Saturday was brutal. I was so tired, lethargic, and worthless feeling. Unfortunately, the feeling was familiar; this is what I felt like everyday when I was 40 pounds heavier, smoked, and ate junk food every day. I had started to question why I was doing the Fast, but then during prayer, it occurred to me; to remind me of what will happen if I turn away from God and go back to my old ways.
Along this journey I defined a few things. Inspiration is what gives us the desire to get up and make goals. Motivation keeps us progressing along with enthusiasm. Dedication is the absolute giving of ourselves. Commitment is the stoic promise. I have found each of these things in God along this journey.
Writing these blogs every day became a big commitment and obligation for me. It was the multitudinous responses and kind words of so many of you that inspired me and kept me motivated. Writing these kept me accountable. I could have kept this thing to myself and even gotten away with cheating a little. I am sure God would have forgiven me. Knowing that my promise everyday was to God and that all of you were watching, I couldn’t cheat. I am setting an example to all of you and to my children (who watch me even when I don’t think they’re paying attention). I am a Christian man who made a public promise to God. In return, you motivated me and God rewarded me. I can only hope that I inspired a few of you.
This was my journey to get closer to God . . . for all of you that asked me 47 days ago what is Lent . . . this is the best way I can define it. Thank you all for following along.
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