In much of the Christian world, today is the Third Sunday of Lent, meaning we’re midway through the Season of Lent (already?) It’s a time of prayer, fasting, charity and self-denial. “Self-denial” you ask? You may know of it via the time-honored question “What are you giving up for Lent?” For some of us, the discipline of self-denial starts out with great enthusiasm, but then begins to give way…right….about……Now! It’s kind of like New Years’ Resolutions, when on January 1 we’re totally resolved and committed to give up candy or smoking or fattening foods, etc. But only a few weeks later, we’re back to our old habits, and we end up feeling like we’ve failed.

In recent years, along with the practice of self-denial, we’ve been challenged by our clergy to add positive yet difficult actions to the mix; forgiving someone who has hurt us; being extra patient with a difficult child; spending more time with the family. I think you get the picture. I’ve come to appreciate this combination of surrendering to something that’s difficult, with the resistance of something enjoyable. And if I slip up on one front, I can make up for it on the other, each discipline serving a unique purpose.

As far as trying to do the positive, I use a sort of checklist to help keep me on track with my Lenten journey. It’s from one of my favorite spiritual authors, Leo Buscaglia, and I thought you might like to see it. I’ve been using it to evaluate myself every night….right after I’ve talked myself out of that sweet snack (most of the time!)

To Our Spiritual Health!

Love Quiz

Adapted from Dr. Buscaglia’s book Born for Love
(1992, SLACK Incorporated)

Asking yourself questions and answering them honestly is a good path to self-knowledge. In keeping with this idea, I’d like to propose a few end-of-the-day questions for each of us…

Is anyone a little happier because I came along today?

Did I leave any concrete evidence of my kindness, any sign of my love?

Did I try to think of someone I know in a more positive light?

Did I help someone to feel joy, to laugh, or at least, to smile?

Have I attempted to remove a little of the rust that is corroding my relationships?

Have I gone through the day without fretting over what I don’t have and celebrating the things I do have?

Have I forgiven others for being less than perfect?

Have I forgiven myself?

Have I learned something new about life, living or love?