“From dust you came till dust you return.”In Panama City I had an Episcopalian priest friend, whose church I attended for Ash Wednesday, but in Fort Worth I didn’t have a place to participate this year. I love Ash Wednesday’s reminder of our transient state on earth.
This year for Lent I am giving up two things.
Oatmeal raison cookies- Easter always connects me to the Heavenly banquet in which we will one day participate (Think the movie Antwone Fisher- The meal scene at the end of movie- if you haven’t seen the movie, that scene is well worth it and it’s the best picture of the what I think the Heavenly banquet will be like). In the past I’ve given up flavored drinks (for those who know me, yes I know, it’s only Gatorade) and Carrabba’s (my favorite restaurant in Panama City) but this year it’s the removal of my current favorite dessert. As I already anticipate having them again today, in a much greater sense I anticipate the meal we will partake in on that glorious day.
Non-Christian music-Let me make a brief disclaimer about “Christian Music.” I think even the term “Christian Music” is unbiblical, but it’s easier to communicate than the alternative. The idea of Christians having a sub-culture of music doesn’t fit the same DNA established by Jesus, who took on flesh and dwelt among humanity. I think real “Christian” music engages culture through their art, and all beauty and art connects people to the creator of beauty and art. All music can truly be Christian in the sense that it can connect people to the Christian God. If I were a musician I would use my talent for my local church and I would also engage in my community’s music scene, but I am just a few degrees from being tone deaf. So instead I am looking to hire that guy to work at my church. But I think the term that we use of “Christian Music” actually signifies that it doesn’t have shady lyrics and attempts to communicate a Christian message, so I will reluctantly use it. With that disclaimer, the second part of Lent for me will be to fast from listening to non-Christian worship music as a way of focusing on this season of anticipation. I admit I might play a little fast and loose with this one in a few weeks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
4 comments:
oops! I just bought some cookie dough today before I knew you were doing this. I won't tempt you; I'll eat them all myself while you're not home. That's the sacrifice I will make for you. :)
Lindsay, Just donate all of your baked cookie to the Storment household. That will keep your husband from stumbling.
Luke, good post.
Linds- Thanks for being so kind and eating them all by yourself.
Johnny Storm-you are such a kind friend.
Jonathan- Tell Leslie we'll have a cookie party at your house. :)
Post a Comment