Well, Lent is here and I am not sure I am ready. The annual battle of the family to figure out what everyone will give up has begun. You see, even with just five of us at home now, we will have vastly different views of what to give up.
One wants to give up meat, another bread, and another deserts/sweets. So, how in the world are we supposed to plan meals? One wants to take more time visiting the sick and shut-ins, another wants to spend more family time and so the conflicts ensue. The litany of things to give up goes on and on.
Feeling this tension in our house last night, I decided it was time to retreat a bit an pray about what to do about this. Especially as I was struggling with how I was going to keep my Lenten goals with all of the conflicts. Then it hit me.
All of these offerings just felt like lip service. What I needed to give up was my need to have things my way. I need to give up my will for Lent. To make others first, to help facilitate their spiritual journey. I need to not hinder their progress in any way.
So, that is my plan, to give up my needs for others, putting them first. Pray for me and my selfishness.
