Lent - what are you giving up?

At the Imposition of Ash service at our local Church last night the Minister gave us a wonderful overview of Lent and all that it means.  For many of us Lent is marked by 'giving something up' but he encouraged us to go further and to think about how we can be closer to God through our behaviours and our thoughts.  I shall spend my Lent pondering that thought and striving to achieve change . . . . but I've also thought about giving up biscuits!  Somehow giving up something which you enjoy and consume happily makes Lent real to all of us, whether or not we are practising members of the Church.  I had to laugh to myself when my 11 year old daughter announced she was 'giving up soup' - a visit to the Senior School looms and will include lunch - last time she was there they were having a hunger lunch and the soup did not go down well with her!  So whether it's chocolate, alcohol, exercise or soup you give up, have a reflective Lent!