Sunday, February 28, 2010

temptation and self denial

I plum ran out of sleep this morning. I awoke at 6:38 and that was the end of that lol. It's a drag when that happens on a Sunday morning but what can you do but go with it?

I managed to get control of my office again, its like a whole different place in here so that's good. I cleaned our shower ,and even sanded and applied a couple coats of paint to Ian's Pinewood Derby car. So, the weekend is off to a good start, from a "getting things done" perspective. I've even worked in time to go over some homework and play Wii with Ian. Today we'll work some more on the car, do some homework, maybe hit the Y. I need to give Cosmo a little attention as far as her "hairdo" goes so she doesn't get all outta control lol. And of course, we'll head to 10:00 am Mass this morning.

As an alcoholic, something that is sometimes difficult is the practice of self denial. So, Lent can present its own set of challenges. In my efforts to become more like my Lord, to grow closer to Him and to benefit myself, I'm avoiding two of my faves, ice cream and McDonald's (all fast food actually). Those two things pose great temptation for me so this Lent will serve as an excellent exercise, a great reminder that while I may not be hanging out for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert with nothing to eat or drink, only to be tempted by the devil himself, lol I am at least practicing some self denial. And of course, this will help in my efforts to lose weight and get in shape. So, what's not to love? For this alcoholic, its good practice to force myself to practice self denial and focus more on helping others. Each time I crave some ice cream, I am reminded of Who I am trying to grow closer to. Each time I pass McDonald's on my way to go home and eat something healthy I can be grateful for His Sacrifice for me.

Lord, please hlep me to become more like You today. I want to think less of myself and more of You and those around me. I've made small sacrifices in an effort to understand what You want for my life. I pray that I can continue to deny myself when I need to, that I might be of geater service to You and the people around me. It was self denial that set me on the path to recovery. You gave me the strength to deny my obsessions until You removed them from me completely and I am grateful. Now I pray that I can do more with this new life You've given me. I owe.

3 comments:

Lou said...

I like the practice of conscious self denial..using it as a reminder to focus on others. I always get something out of your prayers at the end also.

Enchanted Oak said...

This statement stopped me in my tracks, Scott: "You gave me the strength to deny my obsessions until You removed them from me completely and I am grateful. Now I pray that I can do more with this new life You've given me."
That's an awesome thought. Thank you for it.

Syd said...

I really like your prayers. Sounds like you got a lot of things done. I took it easy this weekend.