A Season for Growth

Lent: This will mark the second year I have observed Lent. Last year, however, was rather a disappointment. I chose to fast from Facebook, and I didn't make it longer than three weeks. Lent is 40 days, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. This year, I have chosen to fast from processed sweets, alcohol, and YouTube.
These three things are minor "strongholds" in my life. Processed sweets because I like food too much, alcohol because it is expensive, and YouTube because I spend much too much time watching silly videos.
In addition to fasting, I have added some disciplines to work on: Running daily (though allowing for a rest day here and there), redeeming my time, and working on not complaining/gossiping. Also, I am going to read through the New Testament in this Lenten season. That makes about 5-6 pages daily.
Not too difficult, right?
The reason I am observing the religious practice of Lent is simple: because I desire to cultivate growth in my relationship with God and I love Him. Religion without a love of God is worthless.
Today is the second day of Lent. I am already benefiting from this season of self-denial and self-discipline in preparation for the joy of Easter. I believe this season's importance to be equal with Easter, for the reason that practicing denying the self and taking up the cross intentionally reminds us that it is our purpose to draw close to the Creator and to become like Christ. He says "Be holy, because I am holy." Be set apart. In this culture where God has gone out of style, practicing religious self-denial sets one apart even more.
I read an opinion piece in The Sunday Times titled "Rise up, quiet unbelievers, and drive faith from public life." Beyond being slightly shocked, I was saddened to read that the author relegates faith and religion to a mere "tribal ritual." A commentator within the article admitted to attending Anglican services when he in fact retains no beliefs in a higher power. He only attends church because it is his "tribal" duty. (I can't post the link, because you have to be a paying subscriber to access online content).
With that mindset, no wonder faith finds itself relegated to the rubbish bin for most people of the twenty-first century. But there is a remnant. There remains those who desire to follow and worship God, not only in their actions, but how we are called: with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
And that is why I am observing Lent: to love the Lord my God, with all of my strength, with all of my mind, with all of my soul, and with all of my heart.
Running: Moving on to another of my favorite topics: running. My sister ran in a half-marathon last weekend, and that has renewed my desire to become a competitive runner. I am going to register for a half-marathon in the States, and a shorter race, probably a 10k, while I am here in London! Once my name is on a roster, there shall be no turning back! So, yesterday I ran (in the rain!) for three miles. My left calf muscle bugged me for the last mile and a half, but I kept plugging away, stopping twice to stretch it a little bit. This afternoon I went for time instead of distance, jogging for thirty minutes with a distance of about 2.6 miles. Not awful, but definitely NOT good. I'd like to be running at the least a ten-minute mile by the time I come back home. Tomorrow will be a rest day, and then Saturday I am going to head out to the end of the tube line to Richmond Park and do a trail run. There are TRAILS in London!! So excited! The trail is over 7 miles long, so that will be the long run for the week. I don't have a specific training schedule locked on yet, I am just kind of running and seeing how I'm feeling.

Anyway, I don't know who reads this (though I do have 3 followers o_o) but I feel that if I post about commitments I have made in these areas, I'll be infinitely more likely to finish. Plus, I kind of just like writing :)
Leave a comment if you have any running advice for me! Or anything to say, really.
Cheers!