How's your lent going?

  

As I drove my daughter to school, thoughts entered my mind...oh, to be seventeen again.  Not the seventeen I was, mind you, seventeen with all the knowledge I have right now.  If I were “that seventeen,” I would rule the school and make the changes to correct all the previous life mistakes I’ve made!

 

I’ve heard it said it’s never too late to be who you want to become, and I can start each day anew.  Why am I so thick-headed and entrenched in my habits that beginning each day anew is just that, day one on the path over and over again?  I feel as if my days are ebbing away faster and faster with each minute that passes.  You would think that this might light a fire under me.  Yet, I feel like my feet are stuck in molasses, making my steps slow, sticky, and incredibly difficult, my brain in a fog.  Why isn’t my desire stronger than my bad habits?

 

It’s the tenth day of lent already!  I’ve fallen again!  My lenten goals are lofty as usual, making it challenging to keep up with in my current messy life.  What is it about planning big?  Why don’t I choose an attainable goal with REAL substance versus an over-the-top goal I know I won’t achieve?

 

If I’m honest, I think it’s because I want to be the person who does achieve over-the-top goals not just in my lenten journey with the Lord but in everything in life.  So, what’s stopping me?

 

I think this question bears pondering and prayer.  What is stopping me?  What obstacles are in my path?  What is keeping me from adding more life to my days?

 

My daughter’s principal sent out an inspiring message, something like: if you’ve fallen away from your lenten goal, it’s ok.  There is no scorekeeper; you won’t be reprimanded; begin again.  We’re getting ready for Jesus’ passion.  On His trip to Calvary, He fell three times; each time, He got up and continued.  Jesus is our guide and companion; no matter how poorly our lenten practices are going, it’s never too late to continue the journey with Him.




 

So with that in mind, I’m beginning again!  This time I’m taking three questions to prayer.

1.   What is stopping me from reaching my lofty goals?

2.   What are the obstacles in my way?

3.   What is keeping me from adding more life to my days?

And committing to only one lenten practice right now, a practice that will grow and enrich my relationship with Jesus!

 

How about you?  Do you need to reevaluate your lenten commitment?


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Did Somebody say Date Night? Two "Done for You" date night plans (Quick, Easy, and Frugal)

Image
  My kids love a party!   Especially the Organized Child!   So, as my kiddos were growing up when a holiday showed up on the calendar, I would try to do something special at dinner time.   Over the years, we’ve celebrated Cinco de Mayo, Presidents Day, Groundhogs Day, and others; you get the idea.   Because of my predisposition to turn things into a party, date nights with my hubby aren’t really different.   One date night, I went all out for Chinese New Year.   The Organized Child made a homemade Chinese dinner.   I decorated, we played a game, made some origami and watched a movie.   (My husband feels the need for a movie almost every date night, no matter what activities I have planned.) Recently, I’ve had several people ask me for date night ideas.   Specifically, I was asked for ideas that don’t require going out, no need for childcare, minimal preparation and can be done on little to no budget.   So, since I’m a party girl at heart and love themes, this week gave me the perfect s
Read more

HELP! The Water is Encircling Me, Pulling Me Down!

Sometimes I feel like God is on hiatus, taking a break, especially from all of my complaining and “HELP ME NOW” prayers.   Do you ever feel like that?   Do you wonder where He is and what He’s doing while you are barely hanging on, ready to drown, at any moment?   I do!   A lot lately!   I feel like Job and I are long lost relatives. Song lyrics describing how I feel have been spinning around in my head lately.   Like Steven Curtis Chapman’s Cinderella opening lyrics (emphasis mine), She spins and she sways To whatever song plays Without a care in the world And I'm sitting here wearing The weight of the world on my shoulders It's been a long day And there's still work to do She's pulling at me Saying "Dad, I need you There's a ball at the castle And I've been invited And I need to practice my dancing Oh, please, Daddy, please?" And, Jars of Clay Flood, Rain, rain on my face It hasn't stopped raining for days My world is a flood S
Read more

Start Your Summer with a Fun Themed Date Night

Image
This Sunday is not only Father’s Day; it’s also the first official day of summer! So, for a fun date night, why not head back to summer camp with your sweetie?  Check out the date night link below to plan an easy and fun date night. I’ve listed everything you need and ideas for a simple, to a little more effort evening of fun and romance.  No matter what you choose, make sure to have fun!  For people with kiddos If your babies are little enough, put them to bed and start your date night after they’re in bed. If your kiddos are older, explain that you and your spouse are having a date night and consider one of the following ideas for them. Because we were usually broke or didn’t have a sitter, I told my kids that daddy and I were having a date night because it made us a better mommy and daddy.   But, I had something special planned for them too.   Then, I would plan a fun dinner and movie night for them, either while we were doing our date but in a different room or on a separate
Read more