Lenten Daily "Office"

Monks celebrate their daily office using a regimen of frequent gatherings and "check-ins". Today I was required to meet and do things regularly, but I had a good amount of time on my own, for practicing, study, and silence.

I've been thinking a lot about Lent (because it is Lent now). Growing up, and attending CCD, we had to talk about "what we were going to give up." Candy and video games were the trendiest Lenten sacrifices amongst my elementary school classmates. On this, and many other things, I think we entirely missed the point.

Lent can also be about "taking on something." And so, my Lenten challenge is summed up in one word.

Core.

Attend to the core, and everything else will work itself out. I mean this physically (gym and yoga today), emotionally, spiritually, and musically. Part of each day will be devoted only developing core (technique, prayer, writing, cleaning. etc.). It's so easy to get lost in sensational periphery. My Lenten journey will be taking this on, as much as getting rid of unnecessary extras.

As author Kathleen Norris asks, "What is worth dedicating ourselves to?"

Photo: The core of the Rochesterian snow is melting. That doesn't mean that more won't come. We are still in the core of winter.