Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 February 2010 08:46:56
I have given up on giving up chocolate. This is not just a "I need chocolate" thing, it's more than that. On Sunday I had a moment of understanding a bit more about what self-denial is actually about.
To put this in context, I wasn't going to give anything up this year because I am going spiritually searching in various ways linked to bits of yesterdays post. Then at the ashing service I became aware of the wording of the service and the need to include self-denial in Lent and so I decided to give up chocolate.
On the way home from fieldwork on Sunday I needed a cheap snack, and so had some chocolate. This I realised was ok, because you can technically break the fast on Sundays. A few minutes later I was sitting on the train and we had the usual, "sorry, you're in my seat and need to move" going on in the seats in front. After this had settled down the girl opposite realised her friend had had to move and so phoned to find where she was. Said friend was having to stand up down the corridor. Realising what was going on, and reflecting on it I said her friend could have my seat because I was getting off in about quarter of an hour anyway.
Afterwards I was struck by the difference between self-denial with a purpose (which the seat episode had) and the whole giving up chocolate because I felt I should give up something. Now, don't get me wrong I'm not knocking those who do give up chocolate or alcohol or whatever, but I am suggesting we look at our motivations. Attitude is important. I realised that my attitude with the chocolate thing was completely wrong and I was doing it for the wrong reasons so only a week into Lent I have given up on giving up in that way. However, I am going to consciously try to be even more aware of what is going on around me and so be able to try and engage in acts of self-denial with a purpose when appropriate, particularly during Lent.
On Maggi Dawn's site she has posted a quote from Stephen Cottrell which also talks about what Lent is about. Worth a look if you want to do a spot of reflection on the subject.