22 February 2012

Giving Up

Growing up, we weren’t a denomination that “does Lent.”  I had a vague awareness of Lent and what it meant, but honestly, there were a lot of holes.  However, I like the idea.  I like the concept of giving up something that is either important to you, or such a part of your everyday life, that it would be difficult to do without.  It’s like a 40 day fast.  And each time you are “hungry” for that thing you gave up, you can remember WHY you made the sacrifice. 

So this year, for Lent, I’m giving up Facebook and Twitter.  I signed off last night with a “See you at Easter!”  Twitter is how I know where we are meeting, where we are running/riding, who is going out to lunch today. I enjoy getting your training updates on Saturdays; your race recaps on Sundays.  Twitter is how I stay connected to “real people” when I’m lonely.  I love Twitter.  But it’s a distraction and I know that.

So I’m making a commitment that each time I reach for my phone to check Twitter, instead I’ll pray for one of my Tweeps.  Some of you have trusted me with your prayer requests and I know how to specifically pray for you.  Others, well, I’ll just lift up your name  - God knows what you need!

So when you don’t see inane chatter from TPG, know that instead, I’m thinking of you, praying for you and hopefully what I have to say is a little more important than my daily tweets. 

Tweet, tweet!
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19 comments:

  1. We never really "did Lent" either. Like you, I can certainly appreciate the meaning behind it. One of my friends gave up facebook as well. Brilliant idea! It will be interesting to see if you feel like you really miss it by the time Easter rolls around.

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  2. I feel the same way about Lent, although I'm not giving up anything this year because my body has apparently decided to give up running without telling me.

    Hugs, and enjoy the time away. I'll miss you!

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  3. Oh darn, I just tried to follow you on twitter. Good luck you are stronger than me.

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  4. I have to say, this is by far the best idea I've heard of for Lent. Personally I'm swearing off the sweets because I need to be stopped.

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  5. Good Luck on giving up twitter and fb. You are very strong. Now if I could just give up my darn Cappunico's daily. My running partner last year gave up coke, I really dont know how she did it. The Power Of Prayer.

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  6. We will miss you out in the Twitterverse, no doubt, but perhaps this will motivate us to get together in person more! It is also quite comforting to know that you are thinking about us and praying for everyone. Thank you for that! See you soon!

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  7. A. Less than thrilled about your Twitter and FB absence, but, I love your reasoning.

    B. I just wrote a very similar post about Lent--this is why I love you. Well, among many reasons.

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  8. I can answer all of your Lent questions...... as a Catholic convert I know quite a lot..... yes, I'm tooting my Catholic horn!

    I gave up facebook last year.... it was liberating!

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  9. Oh, and PS you got the meaning of Lent perfectly!

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  10. I have a friend who gives up FB for Lent every year. It is a sacrifice for her because she posts and uses it a lot during the rest of the year.

    If you have an extra prayer or two available, would you be willing to say one or two for me to get the position that I just interviewed for?

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  11. I read this and thought, "I don't know if I could give up Twitter for 40 days." Which is exactly why it would be a good sacrifice. Good luck!

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  12. Geez, you had me worried at first with that blog title! You will be missed on the twitterverse! :( Hurry up Easter!

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  13. That's an awesome Lenten observance. It also inspires me to think a little differently about what I'm doing for Lent this year. Thanks!

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  14. My husband doesn't "do" Lent, although we did growing up. I haven't given up something for Lent in a while. If you need a prayer-- we could always use one around here! With my new job and making life changes, I am constantly praying we are making the right decision. :)

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  15. I know another blogger who has given up FB and Twitter. I am back to giving up all sweets/refined sugar...well, that and I am giving up my hip. :-) I've never really been one to "do Lent", since my religion doesn't do this, but decided to do a little something this year.

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  16. I will miss seeing your tweets! My SIL gave up social media for Lent last year...it's tough but I like your approach of prayer.
    I'm giving up negative thoughts...rather, instead of dwelling on negative, when I catch myself thinking negatively, I am going to turn around the thought to something positive. I hope that it will help my mindset on a few things. Good luck....assuming you didn't give up blog reading/writing? :)

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  17. Kudos to you! This year is junk food for me but I can see how FB and Twitter can be considered junk too! I love your idea of praying for others instead of checking Twitter!

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  18. I think this is a great idea, but I am already missing your tweets! But maybe my hip will be better by Easter so you won't have to endure all my sad whiny tweets. :)

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  19. I grew up Catholic and have always observed Lent. I usually give up sweets or chocolate or something like that. This year I decided not to give up anything. Instead I'm just being mindful of the season and continuing with my devotional reading.

    I really love your idea to pray from someone instead :)

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