The season of Lent is an extremely special time for me. I try my very best to set aside distractions- limit mindless TV watching and Internet scrolling. I make simple meals consisting mostly of rice and beans. I participate in a photo challenge that connects me with my brothers and sisters around the world. I keep my heart and mind focused on serving God. Should I be living like this every day? Maybe- but I know I will slip up. Lent lets me start over in a way the New Year never can. I find Jesus and his examples fresh and new. Last year, Lent didn't really happen even when I needed it so desperately- sure, I went to Ash Wednesday service and took a picture or two but mostly I was depressed and navigating the world of Type 1 Diabetes with Lucy. I gave myself grace and I am hoping that God did too.
But this year is so completely different and my spirit feels refreshed. I was especially inspired by two articles HERE and HERE. In the past I have been a lot more cautious about sharing my Lenten experiences with my fellow Baptists. Baptists are not known for being particularly kind or sensitive to anything Catholic. I, myself, had some terrible misconceptions and judgements about Catholicism. But this year, I feel like shouting it from the rooftops. I don't know how you can appreciate Easter without Lent. I think Henry Nouwen said it best, "How often have I lived through these weeks without paying much attention to penance, fasting, and prayer? How often have I missed the spiritual fruits of the season without even being aware of it? But how can I ever really celebrate Easter without observing Lent?" It changes me. It is like medicine for my weary soul.
And with that I would like to share some of that journey with you right now.
On the first day of Lent I prepared my heart and mind to receive the Ashes. I fasted and read my Bible and prayed. I have gone to Immaculate Conception some years, but the past two I have been going to Saint Boniface. I take Lucy because it is our tradition. The first time I went to receive the ashes with my then 3 year old I researched like crazy because I didn't know the responses and when to kneel and when to stand. I didn't even know if non-Catholics were allowed to receive ashes. I have learned SO much since that time. It doesn't even feel awkward any more.
"Through fasting and praying, we allow him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we can experience in the depths of our being: The hunger and thirst for God."
-Pope Benedict XVI
This year I have chosen to give up sleeping in. I will wake up at least an hour before the sunrise every day dressed and with my Bible in my lap to the best of my ability. This will be tested especially on the weekend and when we go to Seaside next week. But thanks to my alarm on my cellphone it should be attainable.
On the second day of Lent I volunteered in my daughter's 5th grade classroom for most of the day, but I am looking forward to attending mass on Friday. I have been attending mass on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when my husband doesn't need the car.
I am using Professor Grant Horner's Bible Reading System. I don't always get all 10 chapters read but at least this time I have a check list so I know where I am. This is my favorite system to read the Bible because you get all the different types of literature. It has great variety and I enjoy the challenge.
"Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't even imagine."
-Kathleen Norris, Author
I finding this quote to be particularly true as I have been learning to pray the Rosary which I have been praying on my own and after mass with a group of strangers with whom I am blessed to participate in these mysteries.
On the the third day of Lent I am focused on getting my CRS Ricebowl for 2020. I didn't get one last year and I love reading the stories and mini devotionals and cooking the meals that connect me to my global family. Since it is Friday that means FISH!
I usually make fish sticks every Friday along with a recipe from CRS. CRS stands for Catholic Relief Services and it is a tool to help recognize the world and how we can help with donations. It is just a little cardboard box and you put money it during Lent. They also provide a little calendar with prompts and devotionals and recipes and the website also shows stories about people whose lives are being changed as they gain access to education, food, clean water, and sometimes training. I love this tool. It is so tangible. My husband found a different version (I guess you could call it a Protestant version) similar to this called Eat Rice and Beans. I might order the book and see if I should change things up. But for now I will still with CRS Rice Bowl.
"When you give, give generously and not with a stingy heart; for that, the Lord, you God will bless you in all your works and undertakings."
-Deuteronomy 15:10
I am planning on giving to our church, to CRS Rice Bowl, and to one other undecided charity as of yet. I am leaning towards a charity that makes clean water more accessible.
On the fourth day of Lent I am so worn out from waking up so early and volunteering 2 days a week at the elementary school that I praise God that I started taking a couple of my Lent pictures early this year. It hailed like crazy and I spent most of the day prepping for my Sunday school class.
"Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves...What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit?"
-Catherine Doherty, Catholic Social Worker
I tried to get a family conversation going about supporting each other in our Lenten goals but honestly it didn't go much of any where, but I am okay with that.
On the first Sunday of Lent, I am up and ready to teach. I leave a gift for my Secret Sister and I took pictures of a few pictures of my Parish and a picture of part of the bulletin board I am working on.
"What is a friend? It is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."
-Aristotle
Unfortunately I did not get to pray with a friend. I didn't even go to service because I was so focused on finishing our bulletin board which we didn't even get all done, but I am really proud of what we did get done.
On the fifth day of Lent, I had not slept particularly well but still made it to mass and did some grocery shopping.
"The bread which you hold back belongs to the hungry, the coat which you guard in your closet belongs to the naked."
-St. Basil the Great
I was so incredibly tired that I collapsed into bed before 10 and was very cranky. I need to remember to donate some clothes to a donation center some time during Lent.
On the sixth day of Lent, I woke up very refreshed. I volunteered in the 2nd grade class room. I got home at noon to do my prayers and devotions. Since this is the year of Jane Austen reading I was very excited to do this devotional during Lent.
"Stay healthy, have fun with it, and embrace all the moments. Because anything can happen."
-Simone Biles, Gymnast
The challenge today was to get in 10,000 steps. I doubt I got very close, but did make many trips to the copy room- much more walking then I would do on any normal day!
I have so much more of this Lenten journey to go. I am more in love with my Jesus and my faith every single day! "What a priveldge to carry everything to God in prayer." Amen and may the peace of the Lord be with you.
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