Thoughts on discomfort

As we are heading into the Lenten fast, thoughts of hunger, inconvenience and discomfort come to mind.  Lately in the news, there is talk about parents disciplining their children and the legitimacy of spanking.  I wonder why it is that something legitimate is judged by cases of misuse or abuse?
On one hand, we want to see our children healthy and happy, enjoying the good things of life and growing up in wisdom.  But as I grow older, I am coming to see that a life of comfort and ease only leads to self centeredness and frivolity.  It is the life fraught with discomfort, trials and struggle that produces a life of excellence. 
We see this picture painted for us, over and over, in Scripture.  "Broad is the road to hell, narrow is the path to life."  "Sell all you have, give to the poor and follow me."  Paul speaks of disciplining his body like a soldier or a boxer.  This means discomfort.  The Church teaches and encourages us to follow the fasting calendar.  This means discomfort and inconvenience.  But this also means growth and maturation.  Two thousand years of church life shows us how to use a tool such as fasting, properly and effectively.
So in regards to our children, we must live a careful balance.  We joyfully provide for all their needs and at the same time, we teach them how to persevere in difficulty and discomfort. 
It would be a crime to coddle and comfort our children into a life and mindset of ease.  The only way we can be assured of successfully and faithfully raising our children is to live the life of the Church with them and love them.