Wednesday will get here irregardless of my level of preparedness. Lent is my favorite liturgical season, perhaps because it coincides with my favorite season season: Spring. Lent plays into my natural penchant for taking my own righteousness too seriously. The springing of Spring is a natural counter-balance–helping me to lighten up. Moreover, Lent always sets me up for an additional level of sinning. I used to try to give up TV for Lent…right when March Madness heats up. I’m not even really that into basketball. But I go from cold turkey no-TV for a few days to 12 hours/day for 4 days straight. “When I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.”
John Meunier is considering Living as a Methodist for 40 Days. Given that making an effort seems to be mandatory for the Christian, I better get cracking if I’m gonna be on time.
So, here is this year’s Lenten disciplines plan:
- Drive the speed limit at all times.
- Read 1 & 2 Samuel (story of David)
- Read Bonhoeffer.
- Write 1 poem/week.
- Learn a new song on guitar every week of Lent.
- Something only between God and me.
- Eat 5 fruits & vegetables a day
- Home visit all parishioners on the charge
- Fast Lunch on Tuesdays (pray instead)
- No French Fries or Pizza
- Blog adherence to disciplines everyday
Last year I kept a scorecard with a daily disciplines score and weekly averages. It was a bit tedious and played right into a weakness of mine: administration. I did well for 20 days…but that meant 20 days in which I did not well. I’d like to do well this year.
Come to think of it, I’m not really sure what I hope to accomplish with these disciplines. I guess I’d like to be closer to God. But most of the time, I just want to get through the day relatively unscathed in my ego and my pride. I guess I want these disciplines to strengthen my endurance for the work of pastoral care, give me clarity for God’s will in my life and help me recognize God’s grace.
God give you joy and strength in your Lenten observance.
I recently read Bonhoeffer. It was a good book.
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