The hardest time to keep up the daily discipline is at the end of a long and tiring day at the end of a long and tiring week. In the first week of this Lenten blog I was surprised to see where the reflections took me - namely on a series of insights and learnings on the subject of discipline. I felt that this second week was a departure from the intent and mood of those first days. However, this evening when there is yet another replay of today's curling on television to watch, and I am drawn to return to reflection on the theme of week one.
What is the value in sticking to the promise you make to yourself with a Lenten discipline? Is it counter-productive to stick to the commitment when it is so tough to complete? Where is God in this?
Commitment is about trust. If you say you are going to do something it is important to follow through, even if it is only a commitment to yourself. Trust builds good relationships. Trust builds self-esteem.
Trust has come up a number of times this week in conversations and side conversations in a number of settings.
We've talked (especially at the 'Living the Faith' workshop on Friday) about the new reality in the generation that is now in its early twenties. Trust is placed in connections in networked groupings, in technology and the power of technology to allow people to connect. Trust is not placed in multi-national corporations or even as much in the company that employs you. Trust is personal and not corporate. Of course these are generalizations, but they do seem to be true in the particular.
Is trust a spiritual gift? What about mistrust or skepticism?
I think they are both spiritual gifts in their own time and place. We talk about trusting in God. That's a good thing. But we also value doubt - and the questioning that comes with it. In particular our denomination is one that places questioning as a vital aspect of the faithful journey.
In this entry I've traveled from commitment - the discipline of doing something because I promised myself I would do it - and the wondering whether that is something that is of God in this covenant to keep at it all during Lent - to trust, and finally to the importance of skepticism and questioning.
I think I just described one version of the Lenten journey - perhaps a fitting way to end this second week on this my journey.
Spirit River,
February 27, 2010
The Lenten journey might be long and narrow like this one on the island of Maui!
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