I'm going through withdrawal. Oh, not the physical/substance abuse/addiction kind of withdrawal. A more mental/emotional withdrawal. I've recently wrapped up two major projects that have had me running at about 110 percent since the beginning of the year. (Hence the lack of posts in recent months.) They say at a certain point in a run, runners reach a high, when they are operating at their optimum. I don't ever expect to experience a runners high, but I have to admit, there's a certain adrenaline rush I get from being productively busy.
This week I'm re-adjusting to a slower pace and asking myself, "What idol makes me crave such busyness?" I might argue it's my servant-hearted attitude - that when something needs doing, and I feel I have the ability to do it, it doesn't feel right to say no. But I wonder if there's something else. If success, being needed and acknowledged for my gifts aren't the gods that drive me to action?
Today is the first day of Lent. I've never practiced Lent in the traditional Catholic practice of giving something up in preparation for Easter. But I do expect to use this time to reflect and take stock. In doing so I hope to gain a clear sense of God's direction for the coming months.
