A lenten decision

As Lent approached, I found myself with a long list of things I could (and should) do or give up. As I pondered this further, a theme emerged for me. I have often given into the cultural value of immediate gratification- getting what I want, when I want it. Therefore, my Lenten intention is going to be a little different this year. I am going to challenge myself on my buying habits. Since I started grad school, I often rationalize purchases- a coffee here, a piece of pizza there. "I'm so busy, tired, stressed...fill-in-the-blank, I deserve this!" I say to myself.
So throughout this Lent, rather than making a black and white rule for myself on purchasing, I am choosing to be thoughtful and intentional about buying stuff. Whenever I feel the desire to get a cup of coffee, or a new pair of boots, I am going to stop and journal/reflect about my desire. Instead of dealing with my own feelings of stress or fatigue, and owning them, am I just doing something to block those feelings out? I also want to think about where the product might come from, who might be harmed in the process of making it or getting it to me, what other costs are there to a latte, besides the $4.00 I pay for it? Costs to the environment, to workers, to myself? Maybe I'll get some research done too.

During this Lent, may we be challenged to go deeper in our relationship with God, depending on God alone, rather than things, and even people, around us. Amen.

Snow Snow SNOW!

In light of the double blizzard that has graced us with its presence lately, I would like to share a list of the things I love about snow:

1. It brings people together!

I have met more of my neighbors in the past week than I have in the first 6 months I have lived in my house. I have seen the most adorable kids come out of the houses nearby and play in the snow, and thoroughly enjoy the small snowman my roommate Ekta made. As I walked through the streets in areas that I usually avoid walking alone, people smiled and greeted me, "How're you doing?" And we both shook our heads at the power of nature as we shoveled our cars out of the snow and ice.

2. The preparation brings panic- a fun kind of panic!

My mom and I were cracking up on the phone the day before the 1st "snow event" (as it was appropriately called by someone on some radio show somewhere). People run to the grocery store, desperate to get their bread and milk to help them survive whatever nature might throw their way. Because as long as we have milk and bread, we know we can make it through.

3. It slows down the normally frantic pace of life

Instead of my usual rushing from work to school to homework to chores to class, I had to slow down. We all had to slow down. At the Joshua House, we spent at least 2 days watching movies, reading, baking, making and eating delicious food. We didn't have to rush around, in fact, we couldn't if we had wanted to. We were stuck- in the best way possible!

4. It makes us all a little more equal.

We are all subject to the whims of the snowstorm. Rich or poor, young or old, you still have to dig your car out of the snow (well, I guess you could pay someone to do it, but anyway...). We all step out of our houses and slip on the ice. The roads and highways are closed for all of us, we are all stuck. Somehow, all this snow levels the playing field a bit.

5. It's beautiful!

Whether you hate snow or love it, you have to admit, there is nothing like the snow falling on a winter day. There is nothing like the pristine white snow the day after a big storm, when the sun comes out and the sky is a bright blue. Everything looks so pure, so innocent. Even unsightly objects, such as a garbage can, somehow look beautiful covered in snow and glinting in the sunlight.

Yes, it's true, even when I am grumbling about the fact that there is still 5 inches of packed down snow and ice on my road, even when I almost hit a parked car because of it, I really like snow. A lot.