So here we are, halfway through Lent. How did that happen? Ash Wednesday seems like just yesterday.
Lent’s a tricky season. While we’re called to search within our selves to consider how we might better emulate Christ, that very action of attempting to become more Christlike necessarily requires us to look outside of our own heads. The former is always easier for me, and this Lent is no exception.
The positives:
- I’ve managed to post here each day. Some of the posts are a lot better than others. But I’ve held to that commitment, and some of you say what I write helps your
own journey. That humbles me. Thank you. - I’ve stayed away from time sinks such as computer Hearts, Solitaire, and Free Cell; the Kindle version of Monopoly; and Farmtown and SongPop on Facebook. That’s been harder than I expected.
- I think I’ve made some progress in controlling my emotions. Not as much as I’d hoped, but some.
- I’ve pared back some commitments that were more about me than about God and made what I hope are graceful, considerate exits.
The need-to-work-on-it-mores:
- I’ve yet to do anything to help the least of my brothers and sisters beyond contributing financially to two parishes, the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal, and my usual payroll-deduction charities. No time at a food pantry or soup kitchen or homeless shelter; I haven’t even taken canned goods in for the church drive.
- I’ve avoided some situations I thought would test too much my ability to see Christ in those I know cannot find him in me. How do I know? They’ve in essence told me so. Christ, however, would turn the other cheek and keep loving them, I am sure.
- I haven’t been to a single non-Sunday Mass or reconciliation or Stations of the Cross. My faith-related reading has been spotty.
And so, I give myself some credit for changes I hope will become permanent, and prepare to carry the cross with renewed dedication and vigor.
