It used to be that giving up chocolate for Lent was quite adequate. In fact I can remember that in my drinking days I one year actually gave up vodka for Lent. One Lent. Didn't work the next couple of years. I started out well enough, just didn't have the wherewithall to keep it. Those were NOT good times for me.
Now, though, there seem to be other options. They are called 'Lenten Disciplines.' Not necessarily giving up a vice but the taking on of some new thing that will enhance our character or somehow improve the self. Diet for the loss of extra weight maybe. Making it a habit to read the daily scripture reading. A prayer discipline. Elizabeth Kaeton offers an introspection on tears. Read it all, it is quite worth it. It will speak to some, not to others. As other blogs reveal their ideas I will pass them on.
In the meantime I contemplate my own 'discipline.' I already read the daily appointed scripture readings. I have given up vodka as a VERY bad personal vice. Smoking is a habit of the way distant past. I am NOT a chocoholic. I don't swear any more. I don't even spit in public. (that was a joke) I am back to exercise and have returned to writing my pages almost every day. Just keeping up with what I have put in place for myself is pretty daunting -- in fact not always possible. But I am willing to take on a Lenten something for forty days. What will it be?
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