While most of us will be chowing down on pancakes and other indulging food for the day, our thought will turn eventually to Lent with the start of Ash Wednesday tomorrow. Honestly...didn't we just take down all the Christmas decorations? Just as we revel in our successful Christmas past, Lent sneaks up on us...yet again. That's not a bad thing at all...really. I've been reading and mulling ideas over in my head for weeks; so I guess I'm not completely caught off guard. It's more like I've been procrastinating about how to implement my ideas and now I'm in a slight panic mode...sorta.
All kidding and moaning aside, I do have a plan. Its not full proof or bullet proof, but its a plan. Oh sure we will give up our treats, and I'll give up my Starbucks vice and what not, but can that be the only way to bring us closer to the cross? How, as a family do we answer the age old question of what we shall do for Lent?
First, try to break and leave old habits behind. I know I myself, will try and give up my negative attitude and comparison. As much as I try, I'm constantly drawn into the negativity of not being good enough. Not being a good enough mother, spouse, daughter sister-in-law or even friend. I start feeling bad for what I DON'T have or what I SHOULD be like. I plan on counting my blessings a little more this Lent, and accept the graces I've already been showered with. Do-able as far as I'm concerned.
Second, live intentionally, even when it hurts. As moms and wives, life is a huge weight on our shoulders, but during Lent, give even more time to your family. I'm not saying give up "me time". Carve some "me time" out for yourself so you don't end up in a rubber room at the end of Lent. Nevertheless, focus on what is truly needed and asked of you in the moment...even if you're ready to snap. Your kids can do this too. When they don't want to help out...get them to help out without whining. If siblings need help with homework or other tasks, teach them to be more empathetic and openhearted even though its easier to plug in or do what they just neeeeed to do.
Third, make time for prayer. This can be an impossible feat even on the so called good days. It can get crazy busy around here, but we will try to fit in snippets here and there. I've downloaded off of I tunes, both the Divine Mercy and the Rosary. Is a great way to say either one while we are running around to our activities. Another way, is to try and make it to Stations of the Cross Friday nights for the next month. And the reward? (At least at our church) Homemade soups and buns for dinner.
Next? Fasting...that's a HUGE part of Lent. Yes, go ahead and give up coffee, wine, chocolate, social media junk food, television, etc. But what what about fasting from sarcasm, gossiping, grumpiness, pride or jealousy? Can you give up those vices? I'm sure going to try.
And then there's alms-giving. Volunteer your time. This is do-able! Offer to bake for coffee Sunday at church, don't wait to be asked. Offer to babysit for a worn out mom who you know needs a break. Personally, I like the 40 bags for 40 Days challenge. In my opinion it doesn't have to always be monetary. Give of yourself.
And finally, don' expect your Lent to be perfect and go off without a hitch. Yup! Seriously lower your expectations. We will all have terrible horrible no good days, but don't throw in he towel for Lent because so and so didn't happen. Be creative...compromise...tweak your options. Nothing is bullet proof. Period. Lent isn't about perfection...nothing or no one is perfect...that's why we have Lent in the first place. Lent is about trying and learning to do your best even when you're not at your best. That's all that was ever asked of us in the first place.
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