"So, what should I give up for Lent this year, Father? Any ideas for me?"

   This question has hit me frequently this past week.

   It's a strange football player who walks into the weight room saying "No pain, no gain!" only then to meander into a wall and start banging his head on it, chanting "Pain, pain, pain!" while the blood starts to trickle down his forehead. If your sacrifice doesn't help you GROW in something, it is a waste of time.

   If you are serious about choosing a resolution that will help you grow this Lent, I suggest two steps. Only, I'm not telling you the second step until you've done the first.

The First Step

   Take some quality time away from everything else. Preferably a quiet prayerful place, and whip out a #2 pencil and pad of paper... (Okay, okay use a laptop if you want, lol.) And after reflecting seriously, calmly and determinedly (quality time, we said!) write out, on the one hand, your 5 BEST habits - those virtues that you live out the best, most frequently. Those things you do well. And on the other hand, your 5 WORST habits - those vices which either are really serious, or bother you the most, or which you do the most.

   Oh, and don't forget to be as concrete as possible. Instead of saying "lust" - write rather "I habitually watch unchaste videos on YouTube." Instead of "impatience" - write rather "I don't allow others to be themselves, I am constantly wanting them to live up to my standard right away."

Happy reflecting!

Tomorrow I'll give you the next step.

Fr. Nathan is editor of www.formationtoolbox.com

This Catholic Formation Service is also available by e-mail.

To subscribe please click here.