For I Have More...I Fear No More

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,

Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done, Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore ;
But swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore ;
And having done that, Thou hast done ;
I fear no more.

John Donne, "A Hymn to God the Father"

I am looking forward to Great Lent this year. Each year I "give up" something and find myself so blessed at the end of that. Last year was my first Great Lent as an Orthodox Christian so I did not do much "extra". This year, with the blessing of Fr Nicholas, I have a few things in mind to choose from. This is not instead of the usual Lenten fast, but in addition to. For my personal growth if you will.