Friday, May 22, 2009

Asceticism at its Best

I've been at the Monastery for 12 days working on the Church. I've engaged the ascetical life while I'm here.

I've fasted from meat (except when I've gone into town to Home Depot for supplies). I've fasted from lust of the eyes (except when I've gone to Home Depot for supplies). I've fasted from lust of the flesh (except when I've gone to Home Depot for supplies). I've fasted from vainglory except when I've had to explain to someone what I do with the supplies I'm going to Home Depot for, or when people compliment what I've done with the supplies I bought from Home Depot.

Other than that..., I've accomplished the greatest feat of asceticism in my ten years being Orthodox, and my 30 years as a Protesant: I've fasted from going in here:

Yay ME!

9 comments:

Fr. John McCuen said...

Hmmm... It appears that the Home Depot is a serious source of temptation for you. Maybe you should go to Lowe's instead? ;-)

As for resisting entering the BOOKSTORE!!?! Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles! You absolutely MUST let the rest of us know how this can be accomplished!

But seriously... Thanks for all the entries after a hard day's work (with a trip to Home Depot!) on your part. The wit and wisdom you offer are appreciated.

elizabeth said...

now that is SERIOUS asceticism. bookstores and ICONS. oh man.

There is a smaller chain of hardware stores up here in Canada called Home Hardware and it is still one of my favourite stores! Not only does it remind me of my own Dad, but people there are always super friendly and more Real. Very refreshing.

Peter Gardner said...

Certain ascetical feats are too lofty for my puny mind to comprehend.

Steve Robinson said...

All of you: LOL! So, Father, is Lowe's an obedience or a suggestion? :)

Anonymous said...

You resisted the bookstore!?! I'm soooo in awe. I have trouble in HomeDepot too....

Ranger said...

If it weren't for Eighth Day Books, and my relative proximity to it, I too, could possibly dare such ascetical feats.

Elizabeth @ The Garden Window said...

Truly a feat of asceticism !

I can never resist going into a bookshop :-(

Will you permit yourself a quick visit at the end of your work ? Or will the asceticism be total ?
:-)

Steve Robinson said...

Elizabeth, I'll visit the bookstore on the way out, but only as a martyrdom because some people want me to bring some books back for them. I'll sacrifice myself and my hard fought ascesis for my friends. :)

Anonymous said...

Ohhh WOW!!! I would luv to go IN there! Hugs! Sheryl Joanna