On Ash Wednesday I posted about my intentions for Lent, among them to give up alcohol. This has been an interesting experience so far, in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
I should explain that I’m not a heavy drinker (although in my wayward youth things were a little different!). But I do like a glass or two of good red wine a few times a week with my meals, the occasional gin and tonic, or a Southern Comfort when I’m channeling Janis.
So my feelings in the first week were more of deprivation than I had anticipated. I began to think that pasta and cheese were diminished when not accompanied by a nice Merlot. That passed quite quickly and evenings have seemed longer and more productive without the glass or two.
What has been really unexpected is what I’ve come to think of as the “tap on the shoulder”. I happens I’ve had a lot of work-related and normal socialising recently and every time I’ve refused a drink it’s been a reminder of the journey through Lent. It has provided a moment of focus in noisy surroundings. It’s been a valuable and peaceful little oasis for which I’m very grateful.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah yes, the “tap on the shoulder.” I know it well, perhaps by other names, but I certainly know what you are speaking of. That is very valuable. Don’t lose it.
Keep up the good Lent!
Peace
Hi Tess, I really like that, the tap on the shoulder. I like thinking of that as perhaps the hidden purpose of our “givings up”. The little popcorn pan alter on my stove (i gave up popcorn for Lent) has been ‘tapping’ too.
I’ve gotten so behind with things lately. I am glad to hear of the comforting that has been happening for you…colds are yuckky with a capitol Y. So are allergies, i keep getting migraines from mine lately, its been part of what has been setting me behind. Anyway, i ~finally~ updated my links and added you : ) And I also hope you feel better soon…
A Blessed Week
PS I am soooo tired and headachey and out of it tonight that I had in my mind you had been getting over a cold, when that was lucy. Sorry about that, lol! Anyway, I really do love the tapping on the shoulder image : ) Wendy
Thanks Anthony, and Wendy thank you for your good wishes about Lucy’s cold, I’ll store them up for the next time I do get one!! Sorry to hear you are tired and headachey. All best wishes to you both.
Tess
I think the image of a tap on the shoulder is what the giving up during Lent was meant to be: a call to focus and faithful intentionality. Your image helps me articulate my journey and to remember the Spirit often speaks in taps.
Peace
Milton
what a great community this is. as i read wendy’s response i thought…wow, i didn’t remember that tess was fighting a cold, too
thanks for the well wishes and btw–my cold is much better. i think i dreamed of your “hottie” which helped speed up the healing process.
i, too, love the image of a “tap on the shoulder.” and glad to hear you are receiving a peaceful oasis. i often get stuck in the deprivation stage and it becomes all about me in an icky self-absorbed sort of way. it’s nice to see you enjoying the “tap.” peace–