On my way to the kitchen to refill my coffee, I had all I could do not to reach into the bowl where we keep our chocolate and grab a piece. I haven’t given up chocolate for Lent. That might be easier. Rather, during Lent I’m only eating at mealtime. I’m a great snacker. I can devour a half bag of snack size Baby Ruth’s without thinking about it. Right before supper no less.
I am surprised at how strong this habit of eating between meals has become. It’s like my arm has a mind of its own. Nearly without thinking I’m chewing on a club cracker. Like that old TV commercial said, “I bet you can’t eat just one.” I have a hard time eating just one of any snack food. I avoid calling it a compulsion but all the symptoms are there.
Changing a habit like snacking between meals is hard. It’s taking a fair amount of energy and awareness to carry out. I feel like someone just jumped off the teeter-totter with me on the upside. Irritability begins to creep in and I even find myself aimlessly wondering around the house. Does this mean this discipline is beginning to work?
I know Lent is about strengthening my spiritual life and preparing to celebrate the Easter sacraments but I’ve got to get through is first. –Excuse me but I have to go check my e-mail.
“From all their distress God rescues the just.” (Ps 34:18b)