Lenten lessons

My feelings toward Lent in the past are no secret.  It is usually a really tough season for me, a mother who feels like at the end of the day of giving all of myself to my children there is little extra left to give to God.

Discipline has also been a challenging idea for me lately.  It seems counterproductive to my free will, which I feel can often be squelched by the demands of motherhood.  Take away my free will and I recoil at the thought of discipline.  Why would I hone and sharpen that which is already so limited?

This year, however, God has graced me with a new outlook toward the disciplines associated with Lent.  He has shown me how desperately I need them to see Christ more.  He has reminded me that true discipline will ultimately allow for greater free will.  It will help cut down on the wasted energies and allow me to devote more of myself to that which brings me joy, the root of which is in Christ.  Greater discipline translates to greater freedom.

If free time is my desire, the discipline of time can do me a world of good.  Do I spend time on the computer and often overindulge without knowing I am doing so?  Yes, definitely.  Do I carry on conversations with friends much longer than necessary in order to avoid the tasks at home?  Indeed.  Do I conduct myself with laziness during the long afternoons?  At times, yes.  More discipline in these areas would actually free up more time to do things I love, like running, blogging, talking with my husband.  From there, added discipline will mean more time spent in prayer, meditation, and study of the Bible, linking me to Him the source of strength and goodness.

And why is it that every year, I seem to have Lenten “aha!” moments like these?  No doubt God must roll His mighty eyes and give a hearty laugh at the repeat wisdom He imparts to little old me every year.

Though tried and true, the lessons of Lent are essential.  They are renewing and rejuvenating.  Add in a little sunshine to the picture with Lent happening in March and April and how can we not glean all the goodness Lent has to offer?  Three days in and I am already seeing the first fruits.  Thank you, Jesus.