Involuntary Lenten Penance

I know that, as faithful Catholics, we're urged to undertake some form of voluntary penance during the days of Lent (Sundays and probably solemnities not included).  As kids, we were introduced to the practice of "giving up something" for Lent.  I can remember saving up the restricted item to relish on Sunday, though.  

Although appropriate Lenten penance has changed for me over the years (I no longer feel impelled to give up "after-school snacks"), I'm still called to give up my own will as I go through this season of conversion and renewal.  

The past few days, however, I found it challenging to do any special penance of my own choosing.  I've been sick in bed.  Between chills, terrible headaches, and all the rest, I felt awful, not to mention, terribly week.  To even walk down the hall or get up to use the bathroom took a lot out of effort.  

These past days, my Lenten penance (much more substantial than anything I would have chosen) has included forcing myself to drink more water (even though this meant more trips to the sink to re-fill my bottle)...It has included offering all of this all up - I really made use of my morning offerings!

Thankfully, my fever broke this morning, and I no longer feel like I'm being dragged behind a train (or run over by one).  I'm still weak, though, and I think I should be making my way back to bed soon for some more rest.

(PS: The loving care of others, chicken soup and Jell-O go a long way in helping with this kind of penance.)

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