Lent, do without, or do more?

[Boudi]

Historically people seem to have given up chocolate or booze for lent, and it almost seems like a diet instead of a fast.  A modern version seems to be that people do something more, rather than making do with less, volunteering, or some other form of giving.  Any thoughts?

[saundthorp]

Yes, indeed, Boudi,
I think it does you more good if something extra is done for lent. Of course you can do both. I am trying to read several pages from Scripture every night during lent but I have also done the usual giving up bit by not touching alcohol throughout Lent. I shall really miss my usual couple of glasses of red wine tonight 

[Boudi]

Well done o the wine front!  I drink so rarely that it wouldn't make much difference to me!  That said, i had half a pint of sherry last night to make sure \I got off to sleep!

[AndrewF]

Why not combine the two - give up something so you can do something extra? (e g your favourite TV prog, so you can read the scriptures/volunteer/whatever, or give up booze/chocolates so you can give more to charity).  with the busy lives most of us have, doing something extra generally means we have to give something up first! - make it a policy decision rather than a default position.

[saundthorp]

I don't know if I am making any spritual progress this lent but I'm making progress in other ways. I have lost two pounds since Ash Wednesday. 

[AndrewF]

good for you!