A meditation based on chapter 5 of "A Vicarage Family".

This is a story of three sisters in the year 1910, Isobel aged thirteen, Victoria aged twelve and Louise aged ten. Their vicar father has decided the Lent discipline they must follow -- no sweets or sweet food except on Sundays. He has permitted them to attend a birthday party during Lent because they are about to move house.

Victoria is in fact Noel Streatfeild, the author of the book.

Some questions to think about (if you don't have enough of your own):

Lent observance is a self-imposed discipline which is an end in itself -- unlike, for example, a slimming diet which has practical value. Unquestionably some people find this discipline valuable. But does it have the same value if it has been imposed by somebody else?

If you break your discipline, for whatever reason, what should the consequences be?

Is it better to make a stand, or to keep your discipline to yourself?