A few weeks ago I finished my blog series on Generosity. One of you suggested that my next blog series could explore self-discipline. I like this idea, both because I believe self-discipline is important in the spiritual life and because it is something I am constantly working on. I am amazed by the "giants" of the faith who rise at 4am to pray. I am awed by stories of the "saints" who sacrifice their comfort, their sustenance and their very lives for God. I know that kind of self-discipline is out of my reach.

Still, I think of myself as being moderately self-disciplined. I have devotional practices I follow throughout the day. I try to set aside four times each day for intentional prayer: early morning, mid-morning, midday and bedtime. I believe that disciplines such as eating well and exercise bring me closer to God and I try to practice these each day. My favorite definition of discipline is "making choices in a world filled with choices." What works to bring me closer to God may not work for you. We can't do it all. We all have to make our own choices.

My struggle is finding the balance between self-discipline and flexibility. If a really great opportunity comes up to do something fun, is it okay to set aside my daily devotional? If I am really tired, can I let it go for just one night? Most of the time I say yes, but when that happens too often I begin to feel disconnected from God. It is then that I need to reevaluate my priorities and my practice of self-discipline.

What are your practices of self-discipline? What are your struggles? Is there a particular aspect of self-discipline you would like to explore?