Oh snap!

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.

The religious tradition that I was raised in wasn't especially focused on the liturgical calendar, but we did observe some aspects of Lent.  While there was no dispensation of ashes, no commitment to give up something, no meatless Fridays, there was an emphasis on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus and a call to greater reflection and introspection.

Even though my family wasn't Catholic, we still usually observed the practice of giving up something that would represent a sacrifice.  For me, as a child, that usually meant chocolate.

When I was a sophomore in college I gave up meat, bread, and potatoes.  I have no idea what I ate besides salad.  To be honest, I think part most all of the motivation for my "sacrifice" was the fact that I was going to Daytona Beach, Florida for spring break.  Undoubtedly I was hoping that my limited menu choices would result in some weight loss before I hit the beach in my bikini.  Thankfully in the intervening years I have matured to the point where I no longer view Lent as an opportunity for a diet masquerading as a spiritual discipline.

This year for Lent I have decided once again to give up something.  I don't know if my choice qualifies as a sacrifice, but it definitely will be difficult.  I am going to give up swearing.  

If I didn't need to drive a car, I probably wouldn't swear.  If I didn't watch college basketball games on TV, I probably wouldn't swear.  Unfortunately for me, I do drive a car and and March Madness falls smack dab in the heart of Lent, so giving up swearing will certainly be a challenge.

I don't think giving up swearing meets the criteria for a true Lenten sacrifice, but I do think that my commitment to cleanse my life (and my mouth) of this bad habit will be beneficial to me and pleasing to God. 

Traditionally once Lent ended and the death and resurrection of Jesus was celebrated on Easter, the faithful were able to once again enjoy the food or habit that they had given up during the period of Lent.  I remember how happy I was to eat my first hamburger and french fries after more than a month of "sacrifice" way back when I was a nineteen.

But this time around I am giving up a practice that I hope I will not resume.  I am hoping that during the next 40 days the habit of not swearing will become second nature to me and the propensity to blurt out vulgarities will be a thing of the past. 

Not in my own strength, but solely by the grace of God, may it be so.