We are about halfway through Lent, and this is usually where everybody hits the slump! Lent is a challenging liturgical season for me, and each year I am determined to make this Lent a better experience, instead of begrudgingly dragging myself along through my Lenten sacrifices. Finding joy in sacrifice and suffering is always a difficult process, and the midway point of any project is usually where things start to fall by the wayside, so as we approach that mark, I am once again trying to redirect myself toward having a positive, joyful Lenten experience.
Here are a few suggestions that have been helpful to me this year, I thought I would pass them along in case they are helpful to others. The first thing I did differently this year is that I gave myself a more open-ended Lenten sacrifice plan. I have certain things that I have chosen to give up, but I also made a mental list of “extra” things I am not required to, but have the option to give up. By not setting it in stone, I have found that it’s actually been easier to make those sacrifices. Whenever something feels required, and not a choice, it always seems worse, doesn’t it? So, by making my “extra” sacrifices a choice, I have found that I have a much higher level of commitment and am feeling more joy in the process.
Secondly, I had the privilege of attending the Matthew Kelly presentation at our parish last weekend, and felt very inspired to do more spiritual reading and spend more quiet time with the Lord. As a mom of two little ones and working part time, my very limited “free” time is precious to me, and I would normally rather spend that time watching TV, crocheting, or doing some other craft to relax. J But, I again am making a choice (rather than enforced requirement) to spend at least 10 minutes doing some spiritual reading or quiet time each day, and I have found that I have gained so much from this very small practice of sacrificing time. I also discovered Matthew Kelly’s Lent program on his website called “Best Lent Ever.” It’s totally free and anyone can sign up. He provides a very short video, inspirational quote, Scripture passage, or spiritual reflection to inspire us each day to reflect on Jesus’s sacrifice for us. It’s super quick and yet very beneficial, I have gotten a lot out of it. I encourage you to check it out here: http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/.
I hope you have been having a meaningful Lenten experience so far, and as we hit the halfway mark, I encourage you to stick with it and move forward with renewed vigor as we keep our eyes on the glorious Resurrection – less than a month away! We can do it!
God bless,
Shay McKinley
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