How to Lent: A journey toward the cross

Ash Wednesday. The start of the Lenten season. A beautiful time to re-dedicate your heart to the Lord. Notice I didn’t say an “easy” time. It’s not supposed to be. It’s a time for sacrifice, doing more, growing stronger in your faith and closer to our Lord. And yesterday when I was listening to someone speak about Lent, they said “Keep the end in mind.” And that really resonated with me. Back to that a little later.

Prior to that I had been contemplating what I was “going to do” for Lent. What would I give up? What would I take on that would really be hard for me… what would really be a sacrifice? And I came up with several things that I’ll share with you that I’m doing and maybe it’ll spark a little inspiration for you. I think the key is don’t be too lenient, but don’t go overboard and be so strict you set yourself up for failure.

Stop listening to the radio during my commute.

You may be thinking? Why? And to that I would say, thanks for asking 😊 I find myself turning on the radio, scrolling constantly through the stations. And for what? To find what? Most songs on the radio right now don’t “do” anything for me. Half of the lyrics I either don’t understand or find silly or inappropriate. I guess that makes me old. But beside that, really, I’m just filling the silence of the car with noise. Have you ever tried driving anywhere without the radio on, when all you isten to are the thoughts in your head? It’s hard – mentally challenging for sure. I listened to a podcast just this morning about how the thoughts in your mind reflect what’s really in your heart. Quite honestly, it’s humbling, and I find myself wondering “where did that come from” when random thoughts enter my mind. Do I really think that? Feel that way? Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to stick with that question and dive deeper into it to find the answer in order to continue to learn and grow more about ourselves as Christians.

I challenge you to try it. Tomorrow morning leave the radio off.  Use that time to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord. Literally speak to Him out loud if you want to. He’s listening. And He speaks to YOU in ways only YOU will understand, but you must be listening.

And on days I’m struggling in conversation with the Lord, I'll reflect on His word through some of my favorite Catholic podcasts: 

No more coffee on the weekends.

Now, this one seems childish and silly. I know. How much meaning could really come from giving up coffee. But if you know my love for Groundhouse coffee, you understand. What I realized when contemplating giving this up for Lent was that although I wasn’t stopping in daily to get my coffee fix, I was there like clockwork on Saturday and Sunday. Like if I didn’t get my coffee, my day was thrown off. I had made it a habit, not a treat as it originally started out. I need get back to that way of thinking about it. Like my husband reminded me the other day, Alicia, there are differences between “need” and “want.” I NEED Jesus. I just want coffee. And so, come Saturday at the time when I would normally be rolling up to my favorite place, it’ll serve as my reminder about needs and wants. Is there something in your life like this? I’d love to hear about it and if you’re willing to put in on hold during Lent.

No more yelling – more patience.

Not going to lie. This one is going to be tough. Already this morning the boys put me to the test. I literally had to use a sing-song, sweet voice to talk myself down. It’s not that I yell all the time, but I resort to it when the boys aren’t listening and seem to be completely ignoring me. And then I feel horrible. I mean, sick to my stomach, worst mom ever, they’ll never forgive me horrible. So, I’m keeping God’s patience with me at the forefront of my mind – especially during the morning routine which is where my patience seems to be worn the thinnest. He is so loving and patient with me when I falter, and I need to extend that to my family as well.

So, while these things may not seem Earth-shattering, I pray they will bring me closer to Jesus and that no matter what hardships I may encounter, I keep in end in mind - that I remember I know how this story ends and it ends in victory.

I pray the Lord speaks to me through these small offerings and helps me to extend the love and grace He has shown me to others.

I pray no matter what you have chosen to give up – or take on – this Lent, that you have come to it thoughtfully and prayerfully and that you will keep the Lord close to your heart.