Lent

The big topic these days seems to be what to give up for Lent. The older I get the less whipped up I get over making up rules about what I shouldn't do. My one rule of thumb is to give up something that isn't good for me, or that I feel too attached to. One year it was coffee. Some years I just decide to Do Something for someone else. Often when I give up something I like the absence of it takes over my thought life. Instead of making the world a better place I would become more self-absorbed and even grumpy. If I promise to do something to benefit others,I think less about myself, and I actually find Lent rich and rewarding. One year I wrote long newsy letters to people who would appreciate them. Service projects are always good.
Maybe this year I'll give up something and do something useful too. Hmmm.....
In Romans it says "All things are lawful for me but not all things are helpful.All things are lawful for me but I will not be enslaved by anything!"