Lent is my favorite liturgical season. It is a very effective impetus for changing day-to-day habits in a way that brings me closer to God. I've been pondering many different Lenten disciplines... Over the past few years, I've given up meat, coffee, and even
elevators, I've
prayed the Rosary daily, I've
read Scripture daily, I've fasted weekly, and I've tried
focusing on a different virtue for each day of the week. The past few years have been more abstract, but I think this Lent, I'd like to return to the classic Lenten practice abhorred by children everywhere: giving up desserts.
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| Alibi will help me by guarding the fridge. |
Living on my own, desserts haven't been a major issue. It's simple: if you don't buy them, then you don't eat them. But, now that I'm living with my family, there is constant temptation! Chocolates, ice cream, cakes, cookies, pastries... There is always something sweet in our kitchen, and I have not been employing much self-control. So, I will be using this Lent to reign in that lack of discipline, and focus instead on the sweetness of prayer. What better dessert for a meal than prayer? To complement giving up desserts, I plan on praying the Rosary each evening this Lent.
A couple of caveats on giving up desserts. First, I will not be practicing this discipline on Sundays. Traditionally, Sundays "don't count" as a part of Lent, because
one does not fast when the bridegroom is present. So, desserts are allowed on Sundays, but not to excess. Second, birthday cake on a family member's birthday is allowed. My dad and my brother both have birthdays during Lent this year, and I want to be able to celebrate with them. But otherwise, no desserts!
I'll be using some discretion as to what counts as a dessert. Sweet breakfast foods are strangely ambiguous. I think a good demarcation is icing/frosting. So, no donuts, but some muffins; no filled croissants, but plain ones; no coffee cakes, but some breakfast breads... Basically, if I would feel guilty about it, I won't eat it.
What are you giving up for Lent this year?
