So, March has come and with it, hopefully, will come a bit of much needed Spring. The whole of this month is in the season of Lent, which began on February 18th on Ash Wednesday, and ends at Easter next month. As I am writing this letter I am deciding what to give up for Lent. Over the last few years I have given up giving things up for Lent! Instead I have decided to increase the amount of time I spend on prayer and study. All very worthy things which I would heartily endorse - but I suspect I have been fooling myself, for the simple reason that I am not very good at self- discipline!
St Paul tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians chapter 5, verses 22 to 23. When I talk about these I usually “forget” about the last one. I can deal with the other 8, - they are difficult but attainable with practice - but the last is a problem for me. I usually fail on self control. And I think I am a creature of our culture in that respect.
We are told to “let ourselves go”, “spoil ourselves” or “follow our desires”. Discipline is very much out of fashion. When the latest political scandal hits the news, it is usually about lack of discipline and self-control, giving way to sexual desire or greed, thinking that the usual roles to not apply to you, as long as you are not found out. High ethical standards are for losers. They do not win votes. But it is so easy to throw stones and ignore your own failings. So, back to Lent discipline. Giving up something may seem a pointless thing - to deny yourself something just for the sake of it.
But self-control does not come naturally to us: we must practice it. Even Jesus knew that, so before he started his ministry he went into the wilderness for 40 days to deny himself food and water. And of course, he was tempted. As he was perfect, he resisted the temptations, but practice was necessary so that he could make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Even then, he asked God to “take the cup away”. But when the answer was “NO”, he freely gave himself on the cross.
We of course are not divine, so Jesus understands we cannot always resist temptation, and he will forgive us our failures, but he asks us to try. So, this Lent I will bite the bullet and give up the one thing I really do not wish to give up my weekly glasses of wine. This will be painful for me, as I do so much enjoy my “drinking days” of Friday, Saturday and Sunday!!
However, as I am only human, I am going with the literal 40 days and taking Sundays off! I told you I was weak!! But now I have written this letter I know you will all be watching me to help me on my way….!!
And it will be so much worth it when I celebrate the joy of Easter Day with a very delicious bottle of wine!
With every blessing,