Lent 2011

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.