I try to choose one thing to DO every Lent. It’s a wonderful practice for self-discipline, reframing life or just feeling better! Yes, my faith is important. The greatest commandment is to love God and love one another, simply put. Basics. What would happen if I tried to love everyone with grace, truth and hope?

So where do I begin, I’m already nervous. I usually fail my New Year’s resolutions and Lenten resolutions. I pick something well intentioned. I don’t give up food anymore because I’m already allergic to everything. I still participate in fasting by eating 2 basic meals on Fridays. I can’t fast too much. I have medical conditions and stuff. I just try not to have meat or treats.

My vow is to practice gratitude. I will be grateful, full of grace (emulating Mary) and ask God to help me every morning. I will be conscious of my thoughts. I will ‘ponder things with my heart.’ I will ask myself if my thought process is correct, appropriate or healthy. That means I will once again practice the art of thinking and choosing. I accept that I will fail. AND I’LL GET BACK UP!

A co-worker said that if you don’t fail your Lenten promise at least once or twice, it wasn’t actually a Lenten challenge. We want change. We want resilience, grit and fortitude. I want courage! I will recognize that I am hungry, angry, lonely or tired. I will not operate my graceful life in that mode. I will let those feelings go. I will let them float away. I will take care of myself, give myself a break and then come back to try again.

I recognize that I may have to talk nicely to myself. I need to be my own best friend. I will give myself moments of peace and silence so that the Holy Spirit can get to work. All I have to do is ask. I will forgive myself when I fall short of my ambitions. I will only put, read or watch things that will support my quest. I will ‘dress’ for the journey and take what I need with me. I will leave the rest.

I will remember that I have inherent dignity as a child of God. I don’t need to entertain or play the games of people who are not going to help me live this life to the best of my ability. I will surround myself with positive, healthy people who are trying to live the good life, too. I will support myself with people who will encourage me and tell me the truth when I need it. I will and graciously love those who can’t help me be the best version of myself. I will protect myself while I am kind.

I believe that I can do this. With God, all things are possible. I could tell you stories where the impossible happened. I will do it. I will love myself like God does. I will be realistic and forgive myself. I won’t deny that I have problems. I will face life and work on it. I will do the next right thing. I will forgive others, too. I will not accept the unproven stories I tell myself about what other people think or do.

So, this is not a book or essay. You can tell I’m just trying to think it through. I am in process. This is not all ordered or a checklist or to do list. Life isn’t like that. I can’t worry about or anticipate all the challenges I will face. I just will trust and walk by faith. I might even dream!

WHO WILL JOIN ME?