Since today is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Lent season, I’ve been thinking a lot of what I wanted to do to make the most out of the time between now and Easter. There are several things that I think I will do/not do to commemorate and celebrate the season. My faith is hanging on by strings. Of course, I believe in God and believe He is the answer. But that is about the extent of my knowledge. I did not grow up in Church and have never developed a strong relationship with my religion. I want to raise my children differently than my parents raised me, so part of my daily Lent ritual will be to do a daily devotional in order to explore and understand my faith. I hope by doing so I will create a deeper spiritual connection that will help my faith become strong and unbreakable and create a habit that will continue for a lifetime – long after Lent is over. I want my children to be able to look to me for spiritual guidance and inspiration.
Here are a couple of Bible verses on faith that I hope will inspire you during this season:
“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-contol, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:5-8
So I’m going to make a list of my goals during Lent season. Things I’m going to add to my daily ritual at least until Easter and things I’m going to give up. It may seem excessive, but I believe I need a strong change in my life and Lent provides the perfect opportunity and inspiration to achieve these goals.
First, I’m going to complete a daily devotional along with a short bible reading. I may or may not post my thoughts in my blog, but from time to time, I’m sure some postings on my faith journey will make there way to my blog.
Second, as part of my faith journey with my children, I’m reading 2 chapters a night of my daughter’s Children’s Bible to her. It’s an over-simplified text – perfect for a 3 year old – and I will have finished reading it to her by Easter.
Third, I’m going to give up all Cow’s Milk products – so most milk, cheese and yogurt products. I believe my daughter (Addison) whom I’m breastfeeding may be allergic, so this provides a double-pronged reason for me to give this up. I’m so ingrained in eating or drinking something of the cow’s milk variety so this is going to be very tough.
Fourth, I’m going to the doctor today. Hopefully, I will be released to take up physical activity again (it’s been 6 weeks since my c-section – which also means that Addison is 6 weeks old today!). If I am released, then I will be doing some type of physical activity each day throughout Lent. Possible walking (hopefully jogging eventually), yoga, workout videos, etc.
Fifth, to complete a blog post every day. It can be on any subject. But I want to write and write I shall.
Sixth, to complete a craft project every day. It can be for myself or something with my daughter’s. Sometimes it will be something as simple as coloring. Other times, it’ll be something more intensive. I may not post these projects every day, but I will post summaries weekly at the very least.
And seventh, make an effort to call or go see someone, either family or friends, that I don’t see often. I need to make an effort to see my grandparents more often. I also need to make an effort to call my friends and keep up with them. Relationships are important and I don’t want mine to fall apart.
So, some of these read like resolutions, and to me that is okay. This season is about making my relationship with God stronger and creating a deeper faith connection. All of these things are necessary for me to accomplish that for a spiritual connection that reaches my mind, body and soul.
If you decide to participate in Lent, what are your goals? Or what are you going to give up?
