When It's Lent

. Lent is a period of time whose dates vary each year, but it always occurs near the beginning of Spring. Church history gives various accounts of its origin. The basic idea is a commemoration of Jesus' withdrawal to the desert of Israel which custom counts as "40 days." Its meaning to moderns has this in common: a seasonal retreat anchored by Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday at the beginning and Easter at its end, and involving some personal interpretation of these three: contemplation or prayer; social justice or charitable action; and self-abnegation -- a personal discipline like some form of fasting or giving up something or some habit that is indulgent or extravagant.

. I'm acquainted with numerous people who are not all that religious, yet find a personal meaning in such a time of year. They treat it in a similar spirit to making New Year's resolutions, but with a more solemn intent.

. What does it mean to me? I think I have observed Lent in some way since I was old enough to understand it, probably age 7. The usual discipline was giving up chocolate for the duration, and later in life: beer! In Lent I believe we rediscover something within ourselves that stands above the ordinary in some way, morally, ethically or spiritually. I have used it as a kickoff for things I wanted to do but for which I needed extra motivation. The longstanding rhythm of annual practice enables me to call up resources that would seem harder to gather during other times.

. This year I decided to tackle obesity. As usual with my projects I overdid the preparation: setting up a special calendar, daily log forms to record foods consumed, even a graph of calorie deficit and so forth. The liturgical color of the season is purple, so I bought a purple folder to keep my materials in, including Nutritive Value of Foods, and all-inclusive 71-page table of calorie and fat content and such things.

. Over and above having something with which to observe Lent this year, I desired a "gift to myself" which seems a contradiction since I am missing something but contrarily am pleased about.

. The average daily caloric intake to maintain weight for a male of my age, height and build, without incorporating significant exercise regimens is 2500 calories. Any day I fall below that is "frosting on the cake. " (If taken literally that is something I won't see much of until my Easter basket arrives from the Chief Bunny!) According to my calculations I have lost seven pounds since Lent began on February 25. My wife says this appears to be working because it appeals to my love of science and quantification. To that I would add a personal resonance with religious mystery.

. Is it really possible that I will be 195 pounds by the end of July? Nothing would make me happier. Maybe hiking will become a pleasure again, rather than a trial.