Sam, you’re not fully present; not paying attention; not living simply.

The old tradition of Lent began last Wednesday. I didn't grow up observing it, but I've gained a deep appreciation for what it represents and for the excuse it provides to give up something for six weeks. I'm telling you this because I decided to give up TV this time around.

So what? Well, it means two things:

  1. I won't get as much advertising material as I've found during the past season of watching a serious amount of TV (I'm still incredibly below the national average of +/-5 hours a day, but that number seems absurdly non-human so I'll compare myself to the humans on the healthier end of that spectrum. And speaking of humans and non-humans, this TV viewing summary from 2009 brings aliens into question.)
  2. I'll have a chance to renew my viewing sensitivity. Six weeks away from TV has a way of sharpening my senses to what's good and what's bad about it, and it's been several years since taking my last hiatus. It's time for a lens cleaner.
To learn more about Lent, read my recent reflection on it at HighCallingBlogs.com: Fracturedness and Our Need for Lent.

5 comments:

Anonymous,  February 24, 2010 at 2:16 AM  

no tv?
that's un-american!

Laura February 24, 2010 at 1:30 PM  

Sam,

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful time in Pitt. I'm still holding out for next year...

Lent is fairly new to me too. I think that is why I am able to appreciate it so much. In a world where fast-food, immediate gratification, and all things right now rules...I welcome the slowing.

Enjoy your extra time, Sam.

Unknown February 24, 2010 at 3:55 PM  

nAncY, I'll have an apple pie instead. :)

Laura, we missed you at Jubilee, but thanks for the welcome back. It was a marvelous weekend for many reasons. As for slowing? I'm welcoming that, too.

L.L. Barkat February 24, 2010 at 4:05 PM  

I would have to start watching TV for Lent. Lent is about suffering right? ;-)

Hey, so nice to see you at Jubilee. (I forgot to ask you if you wanted some of my octopus. And thanks for the bacon chocolate!)

Unknown February 24, 2010 at 4:13 PM  

Wait, when did you eat octopus? I must have missed that meal. Probably too slimy anyway.

Those sampler chocolates I had? One was 99% cacao. I ate it. Let's just say "acquired taste" (something I don't quite have yet).

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