Fasting and Graduating.
I've spent the past week fasting—and admittedly it was probably not as challenging as expected because I've been recovering from the flu.
The Church's universal law for fasting requires that Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59, and in good health, observe fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days, the faithful are called to limit themselves to one full meal and two smaller meals that, when combined, do not equal a full meal. The Church also encourages voluntary fasting and abstinence on other Fridays during Lent as an additional act of penance.
As I've been pondering "what to abstain from" during this Lenten season, it has become clear that fasting within the direction of the Church is definitely something I should endeavor toward. I've found that forgoing breakfast and planning a balanced dinner has worked for me. As I understand it, the purpose of fasting during Lent is not simply depriving myself of food, but fostering a spirit of self-discipline and a deeper reliance on God, and recognizing my dependence on Him while seeking growth in holiness and humbleness of heart. Keeping this up through the remainder of Lent—for as many days as possible—is the goal! Today, I was able to abstain from breakfast and lunch, breaking the fast for dinner (and staying well hydrated throughout the day). Approaching fasting joyfully, simply as a part of my day--and not miserably--has also helped. I know it is a blessing in and of itself to be able to pursue fasting throughout Lent with little friction.
Other acts of fasting, e.g., fasting from social media, I would love to try, however, my career really gets in the way of that one: it is problematic to fast from social media when all things social and digital communications put a roof over my head!
On a personal note, milestones are coming up quickly: I submitted my petition to graduate last week, and the end of my Bachelor's degree is in sight...while simultaneously preparing to start my Master of Fine Arts terminal degree in writing straightaway later this year! I've been researching local writer's clubs to join. There is a phenomenal writing history in Tulsa and Oklahoma, and am very much looking forward to connecting on a local level.
In Christ,
Kayla