I’m still here, and I’m still working on having a productive Lent. I have become increasingly aware of my own limitations and reliance on God, and that stress in my life for the past several years has resulted in some very bad habits that keep me away from God by focusing on what I think needs to get done, or being anxious about whatever is the next catastrophe coming in straight out of left field. For Lent this year, I am doing the following:
1. Eat food when necessary only. I tend to thoughtlessly eat food I don’t need and thoughtlessly not eat food that I ought to eat. NO MORE 3PM LUNCHES FOR ME!
2. Learn to say when something is wrong and do what is necessary to address the problem. I am far too used to ignoring problems and driving myself into the dirt in ways that aren’t healthy, and I am working to address this. Every day I am holding myself accountable for finding one thing that wasn’t good and problem solving so that my life is happier.
3. Reduce stress, which too easily becomes an occasion for sin. If confronted with unavoidable situations with the potential for less than holy behavior on my part, pause before acting and ask for God to supply what I can’t give.
4. Settle into a parish in our new area. We tried going to one church in our area that we thought would be a good fit only to find really really bad liturgical abuse. We’ve been floating since then, but it’s not ok. We need a home parish by Easter, end of story and end of excuses.
What are all of you doing for Lent this year?
That could be my list as well. I will be praying for you as I try to straighten out the things on my list.
Which reminds me of:
Psalms 5:8.Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies– make straight your way before me.
and
Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6.in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7.Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8.This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
I think that #2 is very important. It is very easy to fall into the sins of anger, even hatred, and holding grudges, when you don’t address what’s wrong quickly and in a healthy manner!