My friend and neighbor shared a book with me that I think she just knew would be right up my alley. “7- an experimental mutiny against excess” by Jen Hatmaker chronicles a social experiment in which the author chooses 7 areas in her life which she (and her “Council” of besties) decide could use some pruning. (What sparks this is a great story in itself and she tells it very well, so I won’t try). Hatmaker focuses on one area a month for 7 months. Her “council” helps define the boundaries and terms and overall provides an excellent support system during her experiment. They even participate during each month in their own ways. In addition, the author’s husband joins her and with the exception of the food and clothing fast, her children also “participate” (read-are forced to go along-4 weeks without and xbox-say what?!)
Not enjoying the level of wealth that the author has, I can’t say that my areas of excess are identical but I definitely could relate to most of them.
The best thing about the book is Jen’s (yes, I’m acting like I know her now because I feel like I do) sense of humor and smart writing. She is so funny, I’d invite her to a family party.
The recommendation came at an excellent time, too. I always try to implement some practice during lent that allows me to retreat a tad. I don’t anticipate implementing the experiment but it makes a great case for serious fasting in specific areas during lent as a way to create margins for God’s will. I’ll admit, committing to an actual fast of say, food, scares me because I just think I’d fail. My understanding of it, though, is that it is an excellent way to shed non-essentials in order to get to the essential. That’s a fancy way of saying hear God or the Holy Spirit.
Jen also makes a case for “loving your neighbor as yourself” by personally serving the poor in your community. Pushing the envelope of comfort. I have always wanted to but at the same time been extremely intimidated by serving in a personal way. I know it sounds wierd, I know I’m not explaining it well but I’ve wanted to serve people and make a connection but I think fear and discomfort has kept me from pursuing it. Also, the thought that a person in need would view my attempts to serve as condescending or patronizing. Let me swoop in, drop off a bag of groceries or slap some food on your plate, feel good about myself and never see you again. Shudder! I think it takes a value-based commitment on the part of the whole family to serve in such a way. Something that Mark and I instill as an important part of who we are and what we do. To avoid the “swoop-in” scenario, serving does take commitment.
For his homily at the Mass for Ash Wednesday, our priest read from his breviary because he was so struck by the readings that morning. He emphasized that this isn’t the Church imposing rules, it is God.
This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke;
Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless;
Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own.
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your wound shall quickly be healed.
Then you shall call and the Lord will answer, you shall cry for help and he will say:
Here I am!
Isiah 58:6-9
Heck, even if you don’t think the Bible is inspired writing from God, who can argue with THAT?
Not coincidentally, the week after I finished reading the book which was the week leading up to lent, the Mass readings were from the letters of St. James in which he makes no bones about Christians serving the poor, the orphans, widows and acting Christ-like. Just like Jen, I’m not preaching here, just admitting my shortcomings in this area and my failure as a parent to give the kids opportunities to serve in a meaningful way.
Do yourself a favor and read that book!