So...
it's halfway through Lent.
I'm taking some time to reflect on the first half of Lent, how it's going, and where it's heading.
My Lenten goals were three-pronged - prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
On prayer:
Well, I have been going to Daily Mass twice a week (not including Sundays) so that's been successful. I have not been saying the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day as I promised. My guess is that I have said it about 4 days a week. The Rosary takes about 15 minutes and the Chaplet takes maybe 10, so why is this so hard to prioritize? We have attended The Stations of the Cross every Friday night except one time when we physically couldn't be there. I have to say that the Stations have really been great this year. Not that they have changed, but that they are changing me. I seem to pick up on a new idea each time I go, and we are able to reflect on it all week.
On Fasting:
I said I would give up all sweets for Lent. So far, so good. This has been super hard for me as every night I struggle with the temptation to eat chocolate. I must admit that I have continued to eat granola bars/fiber bars with chocolate on them, and our Sunday "breaking of the fast" starts on Saturday night (it's the vigil, after all!) Geesh, I am full of excuses.
On Almsgiving:
I have not set up our tithing to automatically come out of our bank account yet, but I have been making sure I bring the envelope to church every week. We just heard a talk by Peter Kreeft in which he said that when it comes to having children and/or giving to charity, you always give a little more than you can afford. I thought that was a great way to sum up both NFP and tithing.
So, I have a loooooong way to go and many things to improve on in this second half of Lent. Only by the grace of God can I do all things well. So Lord, pour out your graces!!!
How are you all doing?
How are you all doing?
Um, my lent so far, not so fruitful. Well, I suppose it is in some way but it's been a struggle. Not to make excuses, but we keep saying that we have a newborn in the house and that seems 'lenten' enough right now. ;)
ReplyDeletei'm kind of laughing over what sarah said.. 'lenton enough'...
ReplyDeleteat our church we have a 40 day fast... and i am fasting a certain fave desert that i eat basically every day... you, being pregnant.. i so TOTALLY APPLAUD you.. i would NOT make it... lol
not as good as i wanted to do and i have a hundred excuses too...thankfully i didn't give up sweets. i just couldn't ever make it through with that sacrifice. i need my sweets.
ReplyDeleteI announced my sacrifice publicly (giving up FB) and in doing so, my spiritual director helpfully pointed out that I already got my reward. This was so eye-opening, and so horrible, that it sort of took the wind out of my sails for the first part of Lent. But despite my wretchedness, God's provided me with a fruitful and holy Lent.
ReplyDeleteI am actually struggling myself. I really need to re-focus and re-visit my commitment.
ReplyDeleteSeems as if everything in every aspect have gotten off track and haven't returned as I hope.
You doing great and will finish well! :) So good to re-eval!