If you’re anything like me you probably started this fast off all gung-ho and rearing to go. On Ash Wednesday I got up early, took the dog for a walk before sunrise and then got right to business doing the readings and spending time in prayer. I felt great throughout the day as I ate my rice and beans for lunch and meditated on what I had read that morning. I even took some time away from the office to attend an Ash Wednesday service at an Episcopalian church in town.
Then Thursday came. I woke up late, scrambled out the door, hurriedly did my reading during a break at work and really gave it no further thought until I repeated the process the next day.
I had found a great rhythm on the first day and the whole thing was shot by day two. You may have even noticed that I neglected to share my thoughts here for the past several days as well.
Perhaps your experience has been similar. Maybe it’s time for a reboot.
In the discussion questions for the second DVD segment it asks the following. I think this could be a good jumping off point for the next few days of discussion.
What are some places you feel closest to the Lord? During the 40 days, what scheduling adjustments could you make to spend time in these places? What might you do in these places?
Shane Bertou
March 5, 2012
For me I feel closest to the Lord when I’m outside doing things like mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. That’s why it was such a great way to start my day by taking the dog for a walk that first day. When I’m away from the computer, away from other people, I tend to focus my thoughts on God.
I’m going to make it a commitment to try to repeat my Day 1 rhythm for the next six days. Trying for the rest of the way will probably set me up for failure. But I can be very intentional about each day if I take them one at a time.
Shane Bertou
March 5, 2012
Day 11 Video: http://vimeo.com/34579288
Having been to Africa and seeing the depths of poverty there first-hand, today’s images from Ethiopia had an impact on me.
If you would like to do something tangible to help better the life of a child in Africa, I hope that you’ll consider sponsoring a child through Compassion International.