* * *
The season of Lent has begun. I’m not giving up anything. I’m not taking on anything. I’m happy with the way I am. It took a lot of years and a lot of effort to reach this point.
I’m not smug. I’m content.
I don’t eat chocolate much. I don’t drink much. I don’t eat meat much. I don’t chew tobacco.
I don’t curse much. I don’t judge others much. I don’t hate the president anymore. I don’t hold grudges.
I love my neighbor as myself. I don’t covet my neighbor’s wife. I don’t make graven images.
I do unto others as I would have them do unto me. I love my enemies and bless those who curse me. I don’t give alms, but I do donate to nonprofits and Democratic candidates. I believe in equality and justice for all.
I render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to God the things that belong to God. I pay my taxes. I remove box turtles from the road.
I don’t turn stones into bread. I haven’t sold my soul to the devil in exchange for power, glory, and dominion. I don’t leap off high cliffs expecting God to save me. I don’t believe in that kind of God. I believe in facts not fantasy, reason not religion. I believe in love.
I consider the lilies of the field and the birds of the air and don’t fret about tomorrow. I honor my parents and don’t abuse my children. I bring my pets in when it’s freezing cold.
I don’t carouse much. I rise early. I do yoga. I eat oats, nuts, and berries for breakfast. I take a nap after lunch. I bike three days a week and walk in the woods the other days. I cut and split my own firewood.
I read for an hour or so every morning. I work on my blog or my new book for a few hours. I shun Facebook. I answer emails promptly. I don’t tweet.
I observe the Sabbath.
It may be Lent but I don’t need to give up anything or take on anything. I’m happy with the way I am.
I’m not smug. I’m content.
I’m not vain. I don’t toot my own horn.
Yes, I lie.
But not much.
I believed all of this as i read through it, but not much.😉
Love this! Sounds like a middle way; a life of moderation. Considered; mindful; balanced. Content. Not too…what’s not to love? Glad to know you, brother & fellow traveler!! “Follow a rainbow path; follow a path with heart; and all around you will be beauty…” AHO.
If someone feels the need to sacrifice, may we sacrifice for humanity not piety.
Ah, yes! Self-acceptance. Something that’s difficult to maintain, but necessary for a happy life. I once read a book in my turbulent youth–now I’m a turbulent old guy–titled, “I Ain’t Much Baby, But I’m All I’ve Got!”. The one central lesson I still recall from this book is the injunction to live life five minutes at a time. I remain a work in progress. Trying to live life an hour at a time is way too much for me. Five minutes is about all I can reasonably handle. Onward!
Expend energy in productive ways. Don’t waste time dwelling on that item or experience you have given up for Lent. Love yourself and love others. Sounds positive. I like it.
My grandfather’s farmer wisdom was full of insights. One was that he only had one fault and that was that he lied
I do have to wonder about not hating the president anymore. That’s getting harder and harder as he’s on a real hating toot himself. Other than that, I’m with you.
Really?