Since I am a visual person the checklist based system Ben Franklin used to regulate his future conduct caught my eye. I read that his system was partially motivated by Philippians 4:8. Philippians 4:8 reads: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
Franklin's system was made up of 13 virtues, each with short descriptions. Ben tracked his progress by using a little book of 13 charts. At the top of each chart was one of the virtues. The charts had a column for each day of the week and thirteen rows marked with the first letter of each of the 13 virtues. Every evening he would review the day and put a mark (dot) next to each virtue for each fault committed for that virtue for that day. The virtues that made up his list were: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Chastity, Tranquility, and Humility.
I like the idea of a check list to help me keep track of the growth in my spiritual life. However, my list will be different from Franklin's. I'll include the Theological virtues, and the Cardinal virtues. My list would be: Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Justice, Temperance, Fortitude, Prayer, Silence and Almsgiving.
I think a check list will help me keep focused on my Lenten practice. I'll see.
"Save me, O Lord, in your kindness." (Ps 31:17b)
The information on Benjamin Franklin was obtained from www.flamebright/PTPages/Benjamin.asp