Making Sense Out of Lent

I have been discerning for the past month what I should do to make this Lent fruitful.  And I think I've finally got it down.  You see, I stink at making sacrifices and can usually weasel my way out of Lenten fasts most years.  "Oh I'm pregnant, no fasting required!" "I'm breastfeeding, so the baby needs chocolate!"  "I have six kids, that's sacrifice enough!"  Basically, I'm a slave to comfort.  If Lent were a vacation, it should be a camping trip in a tent with no running water or electricity.  But my Lent usually looks more like a trip to Disney World where I skip dessert one night, because, after all it's Lent.

So, I need a good Lent, and good = hard.  I need to deny myself to the point of discomfort so that I can align myself to Our Lord's ultimate sacrifice.  I need to crave something, then choose not to have it, to remind myself of all Christ gave up for us.  This year, I'm going to model my Lent around my body's five senses, so that Lent will make SENSE for me and my love of bodily comforts.

SIGHT

This is my biggest challenge for Lent.  No Screen Time when I have Face Time.  If I am around people, I will be off of electronics.  Unless it's an emergency (like needing directions when I'm lost), I'll check my phone and email only when I'm by myself.  I will look into people's eyes and realize that nobody is less important than the internet.

HEARING

Ugh, my weakness is pop music.  While I think it does have its time and place (like while working out) I will stop listening to it in the car.  I will listen to Christian music instead.  This is going to be really hard because I don't generally like Christian music. (Please don't revoke my Catholic Card).

SMELL

It's hard to choose a Lenten sacrifice based on smell, but this one will make my husband happy.  I will empty the cat's litter box.  We've had a cat for two years, and I've never once changed her litter box.  Pregnancy gave me a good excuse, then laziness took over.  

TASTE

I started Weight Watchers two weeks ago, and I've cheated every single day.  So, for Lent, I will actually count points and do the plan the right way.  For me, that means eating my 26 points each day and then using all my exercise points + extra weekly points between Saturday night and Sunday night.  Eating 26 points a day basically means no sweets, no fried foods, no fun.

TOUCH

This is an easy one...I will hug my husband and kids every day.  I do this anyway and it's not a sacrifice, but more of a reminder to love unconditionally.  I want to intentionally give thanks to God for them while I'm hugging them and tell them I love them.

I'm not writing all this out to boast of my intentions, I just really need the accountability and would love to know what you all are planning for Lent this year.  I think if I can do all these relatively simple things for 40 days, I'm hoping they will add up to some good life improvements and a beautiful Easter that will delight the senses.