Lent

I have (at the last minute) decided to observe Lent this year!
At my small group tonight, we talked about Lent, and it was clear to me that I needed to do something about it this year. I associate Lent with the movie, Chocolat, where an entire village observes a strict Lenten fast, staying away from any kind of sensual pleasure, including, of course, chocolate. I don't think this is what fasting is about in this case. I've decided to quit watching TV on netflix and other various internet time-wasting things, such as youtube, regretsy, MLIA, etc. I've gotten into a horrible habit of spending way too much time watching TV shows. I'm currently hooked on 30 Rock, and have watched way more episodes than I would care to admit in the past couple weeks. This has kept me from spending quality time with God. I know that sounds horribly cheesy, cliche, etc. But someone in my small group was saying that her love language was quality time (it's one of mine too), and that perhaps God is the same way. So during the season of Lent, I have resolved to stay away from the internet as much as possible, and spend time reading the Bible, Oswald Chambers, Donald Miller, etc. because as my pastor said tonight, devotions are not just ritual, they are life-giving. (Yes, life-giving is another Christian cliche word, but sometimes you just have to use those words) So my fast is about aligning my daily life so it is centered around Christ, rather than me.
And perhaps I will blog about it.
PS You know you're going to an awesome church when your small group (led by your pastor) discusses 30 Rock, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Arrested Development, and Harry Potter, all in one night.