thinking about Lent

This cold I have only allowed me to sleep until 4:30 a.m. So I'm awake, and I'm thinking about Lent on this very early morning.  I remember this season in past years as being a time of simplifying and turning away from things that distract me from God.  I remember trying to give things up and then giving in at some point in the fast.  One year I tried to fast from the snooze button so I could get up and do something more important than sleeping.  I probably fasted from my fast about half the time.

I didn't get it.  I got too focused on making rules for myself and then I didn't want to follow the rules.  So, I missed the point entirely.  I read earlier that Lent is a journey back to God, an opportunity to make some space in our lives to focus on God. 

This year I hardly realized the season was approaching before it started just yesterday on Ash Wednesday.  I had to remind myself of the history and purpose of the Lenten season.  I found some helpful info here.   In reading about Lent, I realized my need for a time to focus on repentance. 

Analyzing something is normal for me, but I think thoughtful self-examination with the goal of repentance is entirely different.  It involves calling into question the little habits I have that make me comfortable, the ways I isolate and protect myself so I don't have to deal with hard things, and the ways I turn from God in all of this: Sin. 

It seems so trite to give up coffee or alcohol or sweets or facebook for something that changed the course of history and of my own life...

but then I think about the way I indulge in sweets.

I often eat sweets instead of praying or confessing to a friend.  When I've had a bad day, I might go out and buy a pint of Ben and Jerry's.  Not only is this a terrible habit, but it's false comfort.  I realized just yesterday that I have a problem on my hands.  Wednesday's sweets consumption: 3 rice krispy treats (snack served at preschool where i work), 2 cookies, 1 ice cream sandwich, and 3 pieces of chocolate - all in one day.  So, I'm seriously considering taking a break from addictive, comforting sugar. 

I am reminded: It is his kindness which leads us to repentance (from Romans 2:4).

What are your thoughts on Lent, fasting, etc?