In the past, I have chosen to believe that I excel at Lent. It's an absurd notion, but it's true.  Since high school, I have managed to give up meat, cold drinks, chocolate, cursing, desserts and fast food for 40 day intervals.  This year, I prepared myself to be equally as outstanding in the sacrifice department.

During a Lenten devotion with the teenagers, I made a personal decision that this Lent would be about H20. That's exactly what I wrote on my pledge card...H20.  Because of my past success with sacrifice, I didn't really see this as a problematic stretch or particularly difficult process.  During our Ash Wednesday service, I committed myself to the journey. My interpretation: H2O as the exclusive beverage for the next 40 days.

On the way home from church, I began to reflect on the commitment that I had just made. During the next 40 days, I would be going to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the DYMN conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, a 4-day youth meeting in Indianapolis and another 4-day General Assembly Worship Planning meeting in Nashville. I would attend an ordination and a wedding.  Did I mention day to day life? Water only...really?

Within 48 hours, I became a caffeine-free monster. I had an excruciating headache, the shakes, and an upset stomach. I consumed more than my fair share of Tylenol. I was uninterested in the people around me and wanted to retreat back to my home, back to my bed. 

I pulled into the parking lot of a local grocery store where I met God face-to-face. I don't even know what a "duke" is, but I felt like I "duked" it out with God right then and there. I wrestled with the idea of sacrifice...pride...commitment.  My head was pounding. I went inside the store and was sick to my stomach. I returned to my car feeling physically weak, but somewhat stronger...spiritually. I reconnected with God and then gave more thought to my commitment.

This Lent, I am on a journey.  I will drink H20 with a sense of purpose. I will still drink coffee and diet coke; I will be extremely grateful for the luxuries in my life. I'm donating my coins so someone else may experience running water.  More importantly, I will walk this 40 day road with humility and the grace of God. I will struggle, but I will not be alone.