A Season of Intentionality, 2017
I don’t observe the season of Lent, per se. But it does have solid psychology behind it:
· A delimited timeframe, long enough to be effective, short enough to not seem unmanageable
· Public acknowledgment of the observance, which helps reinforce compliance
· Mutuality - knowing that others are committed to a similar observance
· A focus on intentionality over the entire timeframe rather than a run-up to a goal.
I see no reason not to leverage that good framework, while at the same time supporting my Christian friends who do observe the season. So here’s the challenge I’m setting for myself, beginning today and ending on Sunday, April 16 (Easter Sunday).
1. I will abstain from eating meat on Wednesday and Friday. As I plan my meals and shopping, I will consciously remind myself of the millions of people around the world for whom my “simplified” daily fare would be a banquet.
For each day that I do this, I will donate $5 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank (up to a total of $60).
2. I know that I currently spend at least half an hour a day playing games and using other time-wasters on my phone. By removing (or hiding) those apps, I can return that time to other uses - such as a daily call or e-mail to my elected representatives, a short workout, or additional time for current projects.
For each weekday or Saturday that I make one call or send one e-mail and complete a workout, I will donate $1 to the ACLU (up to a total of $40).
I’m not posting this to get kudos and warm fuzzies. I’m posting it because a public commitment drives accountability. I invite my friends to check in with me and hold me to my promises. And if you would like to join me in a six-week season of intentionality, please feel free to add it here so we can support each other.
· A delimited timeframe, long enough to be effective, short enough to not seem unmanageable
· Public acknowledgment of the observance, which helps reinforce compliance
· Mutuality - knowing that others are committed to a similar observance
· A focus on intentionality over the entire timeframe rather than a run-up to a goal.
I see no reason not to leverage that good framework, while at the same time supporting my Christian friends who do observe the season. So here’s the challenge I’m setting for myself, beginning today and ending on Sunday, April 16 (Easter Sunday).
1. I will abstain from eating meat on Wednesday and Friday. As I plan my meals and shopping, I will consciously remind myself of the millions of people around the world for whom my “simplified” daily fare would be a banquet.
For each day that I do this, I will donate $5 to the Northern Illinois Food Bank (up to a total of $60).
2. I know that I currently spend at least half an hour a day playing games and using other time-wasters on my phone. By removing (or hiding) those apps, I can return that time to other uses - such as a daily call or e-mail to my elected representatives, a short workout, or additional time for current projects.
For each weekday or Saturday that I make one call or send one e-mail and complete a workout, I will donate $1 to the ACLU (up to a total of $40).
I’m not posting this to get kudos and warm fuzzies. I’m posting it because a public commitment drives accountability. I invite my friends to check in with me and hold me to my promises. And if you would like to join me in a six-week season of intentionality, please feel free to add it here so we can support each other.