So I’ve talked about how my environmental ethic is rooted in my Christian faith. Here’s where I push it into action.
This year for Lent, I’m giving up a luxury: specifically, I am giving up driving to work. It takes twice as long to get to work by bus, and the bus tickets will cost me more than the gasoline.
I am hoping I can use the extra time (& exercise) to reflect on what is important in my life, as well as how I choose to use resources that burn fossil fuels.
Off we go!
toddh said,
February 8, 2008 at 3:39 pm
What a great idea! I just had to figure out the other day if there is any way that I could make public transportation work for me. Unfortunately, there really isn’t with my job. But I think that’s one of the best ideas I have heard for giving up something for Lent. I am inspired!
Rosemary said,
February 9, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Wow. It’s helpful for me to hear that you’re inspired. At the moment I’m just frustrated, and I cheered on Saturday when I was able to drive my car somewhere.
I find myself choosing between walking 25 minutes from the bus stop to my work place, or waiting 25 minutes for the transfer bus to arrive. Yesterday it took me 1-1/2 hours to make the trip home (when driving, it’s 25 minutes tops). And on Wednesday night (by far my favorite mishap yet), I got stuck in a hailstorm while crossing the 15th Ave Bridge in Ballard by foot. With no umbrella. Woohoo!
But, ah, isn’t that the wonderful way that Lenten vows work? They’re supposed to challenge you. Give me a couple weeks. By the grace of God, I’m sure I shall get the hang of it.
Rosemary said,
March 5, 2008 at 3:27 pm
An update:
I’ve gotten the commute to 1 hour each way. I get BORED waiting for the transfer bus on the way home, to the point that I’ll often skip one bus and walk for 40 minutes, rather than wait at a bus stop for 10 minutes. But that’s fine. It’s good exercise.
But one thing I definitely appreciate: the time I have to read!
I have about a half an hour every morning and every evening to read for pleasure. It’s great. I just finished “Brotherhood of the Holy Shroud” and now I’m reading “A Cook in Time”. Such fun!
I’m considering what to do when Lent ends. Perhaps I shall drive on days when I need to be somewhere after work, but bus on days when I don’t.