From one Dad to another (who is also slowing down on writing in order to focus more on the family’s needs) be at peace. The Lord will continue to provide us with opportunities to write with greater frequency as He sees fit so long as we prioritize what is most important to Him.
Honestly, I should have done this weeks ago. I had no Idea how tough this would be with two very young kids. I also had no idea I'd become Catholic, that the demands of my job would increase. But i’m thankful for all of it and thankful for the wisdom to know when to call it quits.
Good on you, man. You accomplished so much in taking on this endeavor and are making the best decision now for your family. You've inspired me to become a better writer through all this and I'm looking forward to whatever you publish moving forward.
It sounds like your new Lenten fast is healthier overall, but I found your reflection quite interesting because my pastor's reflection last week was actually the total opposite of your conclusion. He discussed how fasting in the Christian tradition is more derived from the Jewish sacrificial tradition; that we fast from something precisely because it's good for us and while we train ourselves for the moral life by self-mortification, we're reminded that all belongs to the Lord. For example, often the saints followed the example of Christ by fasting from bread. It's not because bread is bad for us, but precisely because it is good that our sacrifice points to the greater good of God.
That being said, I do believe God works in us in various ways, and there are no "rules" to "giving up" things for Lent despite the common ken.
On a more personal note, I'm a bit relieved because I was about to write out an entire outline of a retreat I'm posting today on my Substack - with your digital fast in mind. I may still include some notes, but not quite what I was originally planning. 🤭
Finally, while I accept your kind apologies for changing the plan here, I don't see the need for shame in following God's direction for you and your family.
I don't think i’m in disagreement with your pastor haha. I’m a baby Catholic and still have more to learn in terms of how the traditions work and are understood. I’ve needed to give up the energy drinks for a long time and this was not the first time my wife encouraged me to do so. I just decided Lent would be a great season for me to focus on giving them up.
I will do my best to read your post and gice you skwm feedback with digital minimalism in mind.
And thank you! I know I have nothing to be ashamed of. It may help if I view my decision as a move towards God instead of me quitting. I’m picking up in God’s will and foregoing my own. Which is a great thing!
Daniel, I honestly had no idea how you were keeping up this pace. Writing on a weekly schedule is intensely stressful and I am happy to hear that you'll continue writing at your own pace. Peco and I decided several months ago that the priority was to keep our lives sane, otherwise we would be living in an oxymoron of writing about the "real life" while spending way too much time on this platform. All the best as you continue on your writing and new faith journey :)
I'm surprised I kept it up as long as I did. I finally recognized I was stretching myself too thin. But I'm encouraged that burnout or lack of content was not my issue. Thank you for your encouragement months ago to adjust this project if I felt like I need to. I remembered that advice and acted on it when I recognized this decision was the best for us. I cannot wait to see how much I can give to
Readers when I actually take my time. Thanks again Ruth for all your support. You’re the real MVP!
From one Dad to another (who is also slowing down on writing in order to focus more on the family’s needs) be at peace. The Lord will continue to provide us with opportunities to write with greater frequency as He sees fit so long as we prioritize what is most important to Him.
Honestly, I should have done this weeks ago. I had no Idea how tough this would be with two very young kids. I also had no idea I'd become Catholic, that the demands of my job would increase. But i’m thankful for all of it and thankful for the wisdom to know when to call it quits.
Proud of you for making the best call for your family, Daniel!
Your words on conditioning this morning spoke to my heart snd reframed my view on fasting.
Blessings on your heart as you continue to seek the face of God.
I'm so happy this spoke to you! God bless you in this season on lent and thank you so much for reading!
Good on you, man. You accomplished so much in taking on this endeavor and are making the best decision now for your family. You've inspired me to become a better writer through all this and I'm looking forward to whatever you publish moving forward.
Thank you so much man! I can't wait to get to work on more pieces I am very excited about!
It sounds like your new Lenten fast is healthier overall, but I found your reflection quite interesting because my pastor's reflection last week was actually the total opposite of your conclusion. He discussed how fasting in the Christian tradition is more derived from the Jewish sacrificial tradition; that we fast from something precisely because it's good for us and while we train ourselves for the moral life by self-mortification, we're reminded that all belongs to the Lord. For example, often the saints followed the example of Christ by fasting from bread. It's not because bread is bad for us, but precisely because it is good that our sacrifice points to the greater good of God.
That being said, I do believe God works in us in various ways, and there are no "rules" to "giving up" things for Lent despite the common ken.
On a more personal note, I'm a bit relieved because I was about to write out an entire outline of a retreat I'm posting today on my Substack - with your digital fast in mind. I may still include some notes, but not quite what I was originally planning. 🤭
Finally, while I accept your kind apologies for changing the plan here, I don't see the need for shame in following God's direction for you and your family.
Peace, friend!
I don't think i’m in disagreement with your pastor haha. I’m a baby Catholic and still have more to learn in terms of how the traditions work and are understood. I’ve needed to give up the energy drinks for a long time and this was not the first time my wife encouraged me to do so. I just decided Lent would be a great season for me to focus on giving them up.
I will do my best to read your post and gice you skwm feedback with digital minimalism in mind.
And thank you! I know I have nothing to be ashamed of. It may help if I view my decision as a move towards God instead of me quitting. I’m picking up in God’s will and foregoing my own. Which is a great thing!
Thank you for your kind words!
Daniel, I honestly had no idea how you were keeping up this pace. Writing on a weekly schedule is intensely stressful and I am happy to hear that you'll continue writing at your own pace. Peco and I decided several months ago that the priority was to keep our lives sane, otherwise we would be living in an oxymoron of writing about the "real life" while spending way too much time on this platform. All the best as you continue on your writing and new faith journey :)
I'm surprised I kept it up as long as I did. I finally recognized I was stretching myself too thin. But I'm encouraged that burnout or lack of content was not my issue. Thank you for your encouragement months ago to adjust this project if I felt like I need to. I remembered that advice and acted on it when I recognized this decision was the best for us. I cannot wait to see how much I can give to
Readers when I actually take my time. Thanks again Ruth for all your support. You’re the real MVP!