we went through the whole lent thing this morning in the car ride to school. i explained to my boys, who were bubbling with enthusiasm over yet another important talk with dad, that jesus of nazareth (long time listener, first time caller) made the ultimate sacrifice so we could all be eligible for forgiveness. after rattling off my cliff notes version of the cornerstone of christianity, i asked the obligatory question of them: what do you want to give up for lent?
this has received lukewarm results in the past. kale once decided he would give up flipping out over the smallest inconvenience, and has managed to keep up with this personal crusade. simon quipped that, for lent, he had decided to give up giving up stuff. should i be proud or chagrined?
i know all too well that breaking a bad habit is one of the most difficult things out there, right behind being a cubs fan. in my teaching, i encourage students to establish a new habit instead of breaking the old one. creating a new way of doing something can put the rear naked choke on that vicious cycle of stagnancy. b.j. penn would approve.
i can't stand an improvised phrase that ends on the root, but i couldn't quit doing it. i began practicing ending every line on the 3rd, the 5th, (etc), and then began alternating between various scale degrees. i smothered my old way of finishing by working on a new plan. tony horton's muscle confusion is largely built upon that concept. growth happens when a) bad habits are eliminated, b) good habits are introduced, and c) the mind & body are constantly challenged.
what am i forfeiting for lent? i am giving up complaining about everything. i'm sure this will be my vietnam, but i'm up for the challenge. not to worry - i'll still be clutching sarcasm like it is manna from heaven.
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