lent.

i love lent, because i love preparation, and lent is the season of a heart's preparation for easter, the resurrection of christ.

for the last few years, i've tried to focus on the "taking on" as much as the "giving up". in addition to sacrificing something for the season, i also try to take on a new habit or practice a characteristic i want to have.

this year, we're giving up excessive dining out (based on the principle of good stewardship) and we're taking on an exercise routine at the gym (based on the principle of body-is-temple). both will be challenging for us.