So, to clarify, even though I know nobody is reading this lol:
Lent is the period of time between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (... it might be something else, and not good Friday, but that is beside the point). it's from February 17th to April 3rd. It is normally 40 days, but this year it is 46. Don't ask me why.
The idea behind lent is not necessarily that you give something up which will benefit you, which seems to be the popular belief. Instead, when you give something up for lent, you are making a pact with God. It is more like depriving yourself of something you desire, or something that is important to you, to show your gratitude to God for Jesus's suffering on the cross. It is alot like fasting, in that it's indirect purpose is to aid you in developing your relationship with God.... in fact, i think the only difference is that for Lent, you can choose some of your own rules, and you generally give up things not-necessarily-food.
So, I decided to give up talking. I think, maybe a more appropriate way to say it is something like I gave my voice to God. The rules I set for myself are such that I can only talk for 1 hour a week (Korean lessons) and when I am singing to God on Sundays. Furthermore, if I am sure that I am completely alone and nobody can hear me, I can whisper prayers out loud. Otherwise, I can only pray silently. The reason I make an exception for Korean lessons is because a- I kindof have to talk for those, and b- I am pretty sure that God is supporting me in going to Korea so far. If he is not, he has not impeded me yet (and I hope he doesnt).
Why talking?
OK, well, for starters, I have given up talking before. It is nothing original I'm afraid. Only last time it was for only 10 days, and it was to make 10 bucks. It was alot easier then, because I didn't have many friends. haha. this time I have lots of good friends to try to make me talk all the time.
Now, them trying to make me talk isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is good for me to have as much difficulty as possible in this endeavor, just because that way I suffer more (and that's kinda the point). And I am not saying that for attention. Anyone who knows me very well knows I hate being in large groups of people, and I am opposed to being the center of attention.
Oh, back on topic. Why talking. I read a proverb that said "be slow to speak, but quick to listen". (I think that is also in James) and I realized that I say alot of stupid things, and I don't really do much listening. Furthermore, people in the distant, distant past have taken vows of silence in pursuit of wisdom. Another proverb: "wisdom is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can equal it." During this time, I plan to do alot of thinking, especially "meditating" on God's law. (Psalms: "Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long")
I am pretty sure these quotes are googleable. I just dont want to take the time to find my verse references. You guys do that yourself if you question me.
Also, people have asked me if it defeats the purpose when I communicate with people through writing, or by mouthing things, or other means. It does not. I have not given up communication, I have given up talking -- my voice.
Now, an important topic which has come up.
Twice now, (and this is day two), I have made mistakes. I have spoken out once in exasperation and the other in forgetfulness. This does NOT mean that I have given up my vow of silence. I anticipated mistakes, and I also anticipate that these mistakes will become less and less frequent and will be nonexistent soon. (i hope it doesnt take very long). When I accidentally speak out, all it means is that I must immediately (if possible) ask God for forgiveness (quietly), then continue what I was doing with a closed mouth.
Alright. I am saving a link to this blog and Facebooking it to the next person who tells me this is a "stupid" endeavor. (there were four today. they are off the hook until i see them again and ask them if they want the full explanation).
Hey Zach . . . well I'm probably among the infamous 4 . . . I apologize. Although fasting from speech is not a decision I would make, it's one I have a lot of respect for. I'll try and make your life easier, not harder. May God bless your endeavor.
ReplyDelete-Alden