the extinction of the sloth

i've never given anything up for lent... it wasn't a tradition in the church where i was raised, and it's not something my family does, and although i've had plenty of friends "give something up" i've never really seen the point... contemplating over the actual reasons to give something up, i've been told a few rationalizations:

• giving something up, to take away something excessive or luxurious in our lives (like in the film "chocolat")
• to recognize the passover season
• to "suffer" for 40 days like Jesus did in the desert
• to remove something that is keeping us from God, something that is adding distance

and i've always liked when people add something to their lives to bring them closer to God, something that increases their understanding of Christ and His will for them in their lives... i've decided to give something up this season:

LAZINESS

i've gotten extremely lazy, all kinds of reasons aside... i'm done

"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. - Eph 5 14-17

i will join my church in the 40 days of prayer and reading... i will take the initiative and spend time with people... i will do my studies as best as i can... i will exercise, i will learn to cook new things, i will email and send letters to people i haven't in a long time, i will know my limits but i will not simply NOT do something because i don't want to if something inside me tells me i can and i should and i will... i will spend more time with God and i will respond to Him...


i will remember that my Savior came to this earth, to exemplify God's will and thoughts and ideals for this world, so that we could all know how to live while we're here and so that we can all live when we're gone...