My Lent Regret

[tobakenist]

I am not Religious, thank god.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I gave up Lent for Lent. I'm much happier as a result.

 

[elasmo]

I give up all music except classical every Lent...not easy with all this Audiophile gear lying around. Giving up alcohol goes without saying...too easy.

 

[pantsBoots]

I know we should gladly sacrifice for lent and my wife convinced me to give up french fries and soft drinks.

Unfortunately because she was doing the same plus she was giving up sweets she pressed me to give up something else. She dictated 3 choices. Sweets, Whiskey, or Pipe.

This was difficult because I enjoy a sweet (Ghirardelli chocolate) and a dram of whisky/whiskey every evening. So I gave up the pipe.

Arrrrgggggg!!!

I am surviving but need another idea for next year. Any suggestions?

Maybe you should just let your wife pick. And make sure you say, "Thank you, ma'am," after she does.

 

[Old_Newby]

Maybe you should just let your wife pick. And make sure you say, "Thank you, ma'am," after she does.

That is how she does breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

[pappymac]

Long ago a Priest said lots of people give up stuff for Lent, but it’s better to do good works for Lent. Good advice I Garronte !

I may have known him if he was also a military chaplain. He suggested that people should give up Hate, Selfishness and Lying for Lent.

In the past, I have given up things like cigars, vodka and arguing with the wife.

 

[PipeMarc]

Giving up spirits for lent is my go to every year. Something I actually look forward to . It provides a reset. Even as someone who wouldn’t consider themselves a heavy drinker ( wife might disagree there ) it provides time for clarity and to be present. I find some of my best pipe adventures are during this time as well.

 

[AroEnglish]

Giving up spirits for lent is my go to every year. Something I actually look forward to . It provides a reset. Even as someone who wouldn’t consider themselves a heavy drinker ( wife might disagree there ) it provides time for clarity and to be present. I find some of my best pipe adventures are during this time as well.

We can end the thread now. The pope has spoken!

 

[woodsroad]

Growing up Jewish, I always found Lent to be mysterious. Many of my friends were Catholic, and I did what I could to both support and taunt them. One year, an unsuspecting neighborhood kid asked me what I sacrificed, and I told him “I gave up Lent for Lent”. I could hear the wheels spinning in his head, but I don’t think that passed muster with his parents.

 

[Singularis]

Next year give up pipes. Choose one burner to see you through the season. For me, lent is less about denial and more about embracing a posture of gratitude.

I actually really like this suggestion. Even better: choose just one pipe and one blend for all of Lent. This year I gave up pipe smoking, but allow for a Sunday pipe (since it is the Lord’s Day). Next year I’ll try your method but I have a feeling my wife will not think this is terribly sacrificial.

 

[pepperandjack]

Strict Eastern thought would say that the sensual pleasure of drinking is holding you back spiritually, and if you're serious you should give up alcohol all-together. I don't even get to test this, as I gave it up all together. not for spiritual reasons, but because when I drink-even just one or two--I typically want a 1000. And then of course it's off to the liquor store for a 1.75, or two LOL.

 

[pepperandjack]

So alcohol, fine, but no, not chocolate. Never chocolate!

 

[pepperandjack]

Next year give up pipes. Choose one burner to see you through the season. For me, lent is less about denial and more about embracing a posture of gratitude.

Gratitude! Brilliant!

 

[vosBghos]

I know we should gladly sacrifice for lent and my wife convinced me to give up french fries and soft drinks.

Unfortunately because she was doing the same plus she was giving up sweets she pressed me to give up something else. She dictated 3 choices. Sweets, Whiskey, or Pipe.

This was difficult because I enjoy a sweet (Ghirardelli chocolate) and a dram of whisky/whiskey every evening. So I gave up the pipe.

Arrrrgggggg!!!

I am surviving but need another idea for next year. Any suggestions?

I'm a typical Irish Catholic so it's just no Red Meat, sweets, and Alcohol every lent, lots of Fish, Chicken, bitter tea, and sobriety.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I actually really like this suggestion. Even better: choose just one pipe and one blend for all of Lent. This year I gave up pipe smoking, but allow for a Sunday pipe (since it is the Lord’s Day). Next year I’ll try your method but I have a feeling my wife will not think this is terribly sacrificial.

The irony is not lost on me, that what we are doing “as sacrifice” is just what our forebears, and many codgers still with us, just do.

 

[Mr_houston]

This was difficult because I enjoy a sweet (Ghirardelli chocolate) and a dram of whisky/whiskey every evening. So I gave up the pipe.

Good for you, @Old_Newby

I say enjoy your whisky and chocolate.

Next year give up sweets - they don’t have a forum to tempt you.