(Preface: I'm trying to reshape my approach to this blog. The days of Lent seem like a good time to write one post each day of Lent. Frankly, by the 3rd week of Lent, I start getting panicked at continuing this all the day through Easter. So, I'm reshaping the way that I look at this blog. I'm going to try to have one snippet of thought each day of Lent. Just one thought - and, if I'm inspired, to write more rather than less - but generally to emphasize briefness and snippets of thought.
So now Lent begins. Are you groaning like I am? Where did Christmas go? Is it a year since the last Lent? What will I give up for Lent? What will I do for Lent? Will I forget by this weekend the Lenten resolutions that I made just on Ash Wednesday? I have certainly forgotten my New Year's resolutions? Have you remembered the ones you made on January 1st!
I am trying desperately to simplify things in my life, to slow down a little on things, to examine once again my priorities, to get closer to God, and to become less frantic (on the inside even if I look tranquil and focused on the outside!).
Time for my first snippet. (I will reserve the right to totally change this during Lent if there are topics or events that seem worthwhile to share. Do I seem to be floundering? Well, it is only the first day of Lent. I'll get my act together as we get into Lent.)
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Take a look at the graphic above today's post. MEASURE. I tend to be an empiricist. I often need things that I can count, weigh, or measure. HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL DURING LENT? I'm going to focus on at least one individual that I cannot stand. In truth, there are probably more than one! I'm going to pray each day for this person, thank God for this person, acknowledge that they are human like me - and might even be better than me. (Good Lord, I would hate to admit that - but it could be true.)
We're supposed to love our enemies. Well, here is an enemy - I'm going to take 40 days to try to love them. (I note in passing that this is the new grammatical rule which allows you to use "them" in place of her or him.) This is practical. This is real. It is measurable. This may mean more to God and to me than giving up dessert or something that I like. It won't change the world. But it might change me. And isn't this what Lent is about?