fasting and feasting
Love this poem that I came across today. It’s the kind of thing that you could take one line of each day to meditate on. A fantastic focus to have during Lent.
Fast from judging others; feast on Christ dwelling in them
Fast from emphasis of differences; feast on the unity of all life
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of the light
Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude
Fast from anger; feast on patience
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism
Fast from worry; feast on God’s providence
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation
Fast from negativity; feast on the positive side of things
Fast from unrelenting pressure; feast on unceasing prayer
Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance
Fast from revenge; feast on forgiveness
Fast from self concern; feast on compassion
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope
Fast from facts that depress; feast on verities that uplift
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire
Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence
Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that sustains
Taken from the Soloman Star newspaper here.
That’s a great poem. It’s a creed to live by. That’s going on my fridge! :) When it comes to “regular” fasting, here’s an interesting point: God is best heard in the silence. Silence consists of a lack of sound. It’s like a blank page waiting for writing. When you fast, you clear out some of the clutter inside of you because your initial wants and self-interests can get in the way of God’s voice. Clear that up a bit and you allow God to speak to you.
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OliviaB.