40 Days of No Chocolate Turtles
There are two Lenten traditions of my youth I keep: a charity box and giving up something. That “something” is usually candy or chocolate or dessert. About 11 1/2 minutes into Lent I start to wobble. I usually go a solid week or two without a slip, and then I’ll forget (it doesn’t count if the “full consent of the will” wasn’t involved!) and have a forbidden something. After that, the memory, the taste, and temptation begins to gnaw at my soul until I can’t stand it anymore. I usually blow up about a week before Easter and gorge on whatever somethings 30 days before I so stoutly and piously gave up.
After gorging, I feel terrible and rotten and guilty and an abject failure. Next year will be different, I promise myself and believe. No wonder I’m a Mets fan.
Tonight at dinner Lori and I discussed this year’s “give up.” Candy. Chocolate. Dessert. The Whole Nine Yards. “We forgot to go to the Candyman for a last batch of Turtles,” she said.
What’s worse, I thought, knowing it’s the last time…or missing your last chance?
February 20th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Missing your last chance is worse, I think; Because as bitter-sweet as the last time is… I don’t regret what I did, but more often what I didn’t do.
E-
February 21st, 2007 at 7:35 am
I just celebrated my 10 year cerbrity of giving up chocolate this past November (I’m a chocoholic). Ironically – or God’s sense of humor – this past November was the same month I met the woman of my dreams who eats chocolate daily. This is truly Biblical indeed – Jesus says you must lose something to gain something. It just took me 10 years to find her! Mary
February 21st, 2007 at 10:40 am
Dear E and Mary, I really enjoyed your wonderful comments. Thank you both. Karen
E – I mostly agree with you. My regrets have often been words not said–I love you, I miss you, let’s go out…as well as some words I wish I could call back that were said when I was angry or frustrated. I can be hot-headed and impulsive at times.
Mary – I am so happy you have found the woman of your dreams. I guess she’ll just have to hide the chocolate when you’re around! I hope you two enjoy colored eggs and marshmallow “Peeps” Easter morning!