My 1 Year Fast

Now before you think I’m trying to top Jesus who is famous for His 40 day fast…let me explain. I’m NOT fasting food. Fasting is merely giving up something, it can be anything. But from past experience I do know that you shouldn’t fast something unless you feel called to do it. It doesn’t matter if you know the reason or not, but just make sure it’s not just something you decide to do. I personally don’t think God will care if you do, but there is just no point in doing a fast that won’t have any spiritual results.

That being said…

I’m fasting non-social television for an entire year. That means that I will not watch tv or movies unless it’s in a social setting (ie: date night, friends over, kids program with my daughter). You might think it’s really not a big deal but to me, it is. You see, when I’m having a bad day, I enjoy putting on a movie and drifting off to a land of characters I love and can relate to. When I don’t feel well, I love laying on the couch and watching countless episodes of Gilmore Girls. My husband spends 3 nights/week in the studio producing music and a lot of times I scan through Netflix and watch a show or movie to enjoy the peaceful night by myself. All in all, I didn’t watch THAT much tv…but I think God got tired of my reason for doing it.

Mid April 2011 I spent one evening watching “Eat Pray Love” staring the wonderful Julia Roberts. I loved the movie. I sat there soaking up each funny line and relating to each emotion felt whether it was the food, the friendship, the feeling of love, a past of pointless relationships, or the spiritual journey one goes through at some point in their life. But with all of that, there was one scene that got me teary-eyed…and I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the intention of the writer. See the picture below:

Surprised huh? Honestly, I cried because she was sitting in a comfortable environment, enjoying reading a book. Yup. That made me cry. God used that scene to show me how much time I waste watching other people experience life. I love reading. And writing. And dancing. And trying new things. And talking to friends and family. I’m a smart, creative, fun person and yet when I have a moment to myself I don’t feel that way. I drown myself in worlds that don’t exist. Actors are known for saying ever so (un-intentionally) harshly that these characters and towns we grow so fond of don’t actually exist…they’re just shows. It sounds sad to admit to the world but can anyone relate to this disappointment? There’s no Rory Gilmore running around Stars Hollow and no JD waiting for me in Sacred Heart Hospital. Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in a show or movie that you forget that not only doesn’t that place exist, but you are completely ignoring yourself and your life to engage in it?

I still haven’t figured out the entire plan God has for this fast but I don’t find it coincidental that I’m blogging again and finding new and creative ways to spend my free time. For example, instead of watching a show or movie while folding laundry, I listen to podcasts and sermons I missed at church. And instead of drowning my bad days with a good movie, I’m reading books that are uplifting and help my imagination run wild and free.

Some days are hard…some days are easy…but all in all, this is going to be one crazy journey!