Tricky Success on Day 17

Yesterday was Day 17 of my Lenten journey without my pipes.  As I have stated things have been reasonably successful.  However, yesterday did test my mettle.  When the situation arose, I knew that I would have risk, but I did succeed in maintaining my Lenten vow.

Yesterday, I went to my mother-in-laws home for the first time since the funeral.  My MIL wanted my help in some tasks around the house (fixing a chair for example, and various other "handy-man" sorts of things).  I was very happy to do this.  And, with Friday being the most open day for me to go there, I did so.... in about the same time frame that I usually would go there to visit with my FIL. 

So, I was talking with my MIL and beginning some of the various tasks, when she asked me if I would like a drink.  I had not really thought of that option, as I have long associated this with visiting my FIL and my MIL does not really drink. 

I however, did graciously accept and made myself a drink that I slowly worked through as I finished up a variety of the tasks.  It was a very pleasant late afternoon.  But what was interesting (and not wholly unexpected) was the very strong desire I had for a pipe (or truth be told, several) after the libation did enter my system.  The desire was definitely very real. 

I have to say that I am pleased with my resolve (although some of it was situational and not fully in my control).  While I had a pipe with me (the one I cleaned throughly at the start of this vow, to use as a sort of pacifier), I had none of my pipe tobacco with me.  I did, however, know very well where my FIL's various pipe tobaccos were, and if I had simply asked, I do know my MIL would have been more than willing to allow me to have some of his (we had always regularly shared pipe tobaccos with each other).  But, I did not do this, because I would have then broken my Lenten vow.  I *did* however, use a lozenge, and I also went into the garage and did utilize for a brief period the wretched e-device (I dislike the e device, and when I do so, I do so privately as it feels oddly enough, embarrassing.)   The two items did help to reduce the intensity of wanting to smoke my pipe, but in no way eliminated the desire.  But, I did keep up the resolve to refrain. 

The desire remained (in its muted form) all evening even after returning home, but I was successful in keeping the vow.  I am glad that I did.  It was a bit tricky or dicey, but I have persevered. 

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