I made it through lent without eating "fast food," these are my thoughts.
1. I saved money and lost weight
2. It was a lot more difficult the first two weeks. Then I got into the rhythm and it was so much better.
3. I had no idea how dependent I was on fast food in general which has also made me aware of how dependent I am on dining out. and I don't like how much I do that either.
4. In order to be successful with this I had to dramatically change my life style. This included; eating breakfast every day so I wouldn't be as tempted to stop for lunch on my way home from school. another change was in the pre-planning as in making sure i woke up earlier every day to make a lunch. so, really in order to succeed at this and be successful, I had to construct a new (and more responsible) routine in the morning. Getting up early also resulted in me not looking like I just rolled out of bed when I got into class.
5. Everyone seems to experience the meaning of lent in completely different ways... some focus on the suffering as redemptive or meditative. Some see this as an opportunity to just give up a vice they've been wanting to let go of for a while. Some see lenten fasts as stupid and pointless, expressing that this has nothing to do with Jesus (me about 46 days ago). Initially I saw this as an exercise in self control. but upon reflection i think this has to do with re-prioritizing my values.
I am focusing on the positive change I have made and the benefits that rhythm has brought to my life recently. I guess the correlation that comes to my mind, corny as it may be, is that our relationship and struggles with Christ though not always easy or fun, are meant to change us for the better. I feel better, my wallet thanks me, and I'm happy with waking up early and pre-planning for the day as opposed to waking up late, flying by the seat of my pants all day, and stopping in for lunch somewhere on my way in between events which more often than not makes me a little late or stressed.
I haven't given up fast food for the rest of my life, but during lent I have definitely broken the cycle I was in (that I didn't realize I was in). For this I am grateful. so really this was about being inspired to take a step back, reassess a few things, break a negative cycle and do something positive and beneficial in it's stead. I think this was a great experience for me. What cycle can I break next year? How will I experience God through this next time?
