Pondering Lent

It has taken me some time to write this post, because I try and be particularly careful to not come across as judgemental.  I want to be helpful.  The toughest thing about Christianity is "walking the talk" authentically and honestly.  It's why I believe the 1st Corinthians reading about LOVE is so important just before we stepped into Lent this year.

If I cannot do these things (living, talking, walking, preaching, teaching, feeding, eating etc. - every day life things) with love, what I do amounts to zilch.

I used to share my Lenten plans openly with people.  Not to boast, but to share.  Some people can take sharing the wrong way.  I can't help that any more than the next guy.  Still, I decided last year that I would not tell anyone what I'm doing or not doing, giving up or not giving up, for Lent.  Why?  Because I have failed miserably (in my own reckoning - and therein lies the largest problem:  pride) when I have done so.  

So, now I see that maybe sharing isn't such a bad thing.  I'm about as pious as a loaf of bread.  Pumpernickle, if you wish.

The thing is:  I do not want to walk this Lenten journey alone.  I think Jesus wants us to share the journey - to encourage one another, for certain, but to help us in our resolve to live our lives as Christ would have us live them.

The first thing I must acknowledge is my own estimation of my own pride.  Then, my limitations.  My abilities.  What can I do?  What can I give up?  to be closer to Christ?  If my Lent is not Christ-centered, I'm not participating in Lent, but in something I've decided is better than what God planned.  Pride, again.  I may not do the same Lenten sacrifices as everyone else (there are plenty of good ideas out there as there are, in my humble opinion, bloody daft ones), but there's no rule out there that says I must.  Sometimes it is hard to admit that I'm not all that clever or that I'm not that good at committing to every minute to this Lenten journey.  I do not have a craft for my kids - not a single one!  I haven't ever done anything but take them to Mass and Stations of the Cross.  Is that enough?  Maybe.  But, at least it is authentic to our life.  You must do what is authentic to yours.  Together, we must pray for and encourage each other.  Lent is not a time to criticize.  It's a time to pray more than ever for the redemption of ourselves, others, and the world.


The second thing I must realize is that based on my abilities, how can I serve Christ?  Why not just trust Him to provide me with the grace to do for Him whatever it is that He sees fit?  Okay, I can do that.  I can live out my vocation better than I ever have if I quit complaining about everything that does or does not happen under the roof.  Y'all know I hate finding everybody's socks all over the house rather than their hampers.  That's just one thing I could stop loudly complaining about.  But, there are many many others.   I need to acknowledge His grace and my absolute need and dependence upon Him.

Therefore I am committed to try and not complain . . . and I strive to walk closer with Christ this Lent by a daily Stations of the Cross.  My legs will ache as a reminder  . . .  a sharp, constant reminder of what Jesus did for me.  For you.  For all who are called to love and serve Him in this life and in the next.

So, do what God calls you to do.  And, pray your way through it.  I've got your back, but God really HAS your back.  

Have a blessed Lent.