lent

Lent – A Ritual Worth “Giving Up”

Note:  This a re-post of something I wrote a few years ago

For those of the “christian” faith, and i use that term “christian” loosely (you’ll find out why in a couple paragraphs), you’re familiar with the terms “Lent” and “Ash Wednesday“.  For those who need some history, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs forty days before Easter (excluding Sundays).  Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned.  (more info about AW here)

I understand the significance of lent and ash wednesday, but from an early age as a child of Catholic parents, I’ve always had a problem with these observances (at face value).  And as I aged, matured, and developed a greater understanding of God and my relationship with Him, my view of these practices and this time of year has only been reinforced.

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Practice Really Does Make Perfect

I don’t usually post videos of BMX on my blog but I had to share this one.  This video features Chad Johnston, one of the most skilled flatland bmx riders in the world.  For those that don’t know what flatland is, know that most flatland freestyle tricks are done with pegs on the front and back wheels.  In this video Chad does all of his tricks with no pegs and no brakes (many riders already ride with no brakes.  Optional.)

What I wanted to touch on by using this video was the subject of dedication.  Chad has been riding since the late 80′s and has always been a rider that seems to be ahead of his time.  You don’t get to this level of riding without lots of practice and dedication.  Chad and many riders like him spend hours in parking lots or secluded riding spots practicing their tricks over and over and over, perfecting them and mastering the bicycle.  This is a true example of “practicing making perfect”.

This type of discipline is what we should all be applying to every part of our lives.  And if not every part, at least the most important ones such as our work, our families, & marriages and relationships.  I doubt that any successful person achieved that place in life by doing life “half-ass”.  Whether you’re building a business or trying to be the best father to your kids, it takes a lot of work and commitment.   Lots of sweat.  Long hours and many sacrifices.

Whatever you’re doing in life, do it with all of your heart.  Put in the time and spend those long hours in “the parking lot”.  You’re going to make mistakes, get banged up, and even want to quit at times.  Stay focused and committed and mastery of your “skill” will soon come.

@hectorgarcia