So I did a little looking around and found some things we are going to incorporate into the 40 days as a family.
Some are for tradition and honor and beauty and simplicity. And some are things to do to dig deeper and empty ourselves to be filled with more of Jesus.
Here's what it looks like for our family -
We are Conducting a Gratitude experiment - inspired by Glennon Doyle.
(We will each come up with 3 things we were thankful for each day and write them in our gratitude journal)
We will read a lent devotional
We will light candles representing each day in observance of the 40 days to resurrection Sunday
We will take turns saying this simple prayer as we light the candles
"Lord God - empty us - so that we may be filled with more of you"
We will take communion
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Over the course of the 40 day period:
- Each family member will choose a way they would like to serve others and we will do it
- Each family member will find One thing to give up or give away each day and commit to giving it or giving it up the following day
I personally am planning on intentionally observing my life and finding beauty in the small things. Actually tasting my food, lingering over scents, seeing the things around me, hearing the earthly sounds.
And Of course I plan on and desire for more Jesus - and for me - I have a feeling he will be found in those intentional moments.
Now that you know the plan - let's talk about what brought me here - because the story behind things is just as important as the things we do.
Two years ago - I thought nothing of Lent. I thought it was just something that "Catholics" do. We celebrated Easter and we made it about the resurrection, but I didn't "get" what the deal was with this 40 days before. Personally I thought it was some weird tradition thing they did - like saying the rosary 10 times. And I was more laid back than that. I didn't need any weird tradition without purpose to celebrate Easter.
Oh how God has slowly changed me.
Last year I started looking into Lent and even gave up something for it. But I still wasn't sure why or what it was all about, I just knew I was becoming more intrigued and more curious about something that I, frankly, snubbed my nose about before. God was giving me the desire without anyone telling me I "should". Without any previous tradition ingrained in me or any church background that did this - I became intrigued with Lent.
Fast forward to this year.
As I thought more and more about it, the 40 days before became about honoring God and purposefully using tradition to slow us down and really reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. And I think that's a good thing. I think its not only good for me - but good for my kids too.
And it doesn't have to be something that everyone else does. I didn't feel pressured to do exactly as the Catholics do or any other church - I felt the Spirit whispering to me that it should be personal. I looked into what others were doing as ideas and for example - but in the end we came up with things that fit into our family and what would challenge and slow us. Things that would have us thinking of Jesus more often and ourselves less.
Let me tell you - so far it has been frustrating and amazing at the same time! Frustrating because we are trying something new and I had expectations of how it would look and how it would go and how it would feel. My kids wiggly bodies and obsession with the flame on the candles thought otherwise. I had to die to my expectations and love the good that was coming out of it despite it all.
The most awesome things are happening with my kids. And it is blowing me away.
The things they are grateful for.
The things they are choosing to give up or give away.
The service projects they have chosen.
Blow. Me. Away.
No wonder Jesus said we must become like little children. No wonder.
My oldest wants to feed the homeless. He has given up complaining one day, TV another, procrastination today, etc, etc.
My middle child wants to help people with cancer and she is willing to raise money to do that.
And my sweet baby - she wants to serve her sister! She wants to bring her food, help her with her room, ask if she needs a blanket, and on and on.
Oh to be more like these children.
I will end with this. I will end with gratitude.
These are the joys God has given me today.
My sweet kiddos and their open hearts.
A Sweet contagious smile of a little face with HUGE backpack on her back as she hops off to school
A Daddy wearing a pink backpack as he walks his daughter into school
and most of all - the Grace Jesus gives us everyday to start anew.
Speaking of Lent -
What is God showing you today?
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