Lent: Why it's Not Just for Catholics

A few days ago, my (non-Catholic) husband surprised me with a bit of insight about Lent.

Every year, he joins me in making a sacrifice for the 40 days of Lent. This year, he has given up reading web comics and devoted that time to family interactions. I have given up soda and highly caffeinated foods and drinks (coffee, black tea, etc) in favor of milk, water, and juice. Apparently, his carpooling coworker (J) has also been convinced into making a Lenten commitment (to not insult others).

D described to me a conversation with another coworker. Apparently, he wasn't understanding the concept behind Lent. D & J explained that, "It's a time to prove that you are in control of your impulses. That your vices don't rule you."

What a wonderful way of describing Lent from a secular viewpoint!

Lent is a wonderful time to glorify Our Lord Jesus Christ, by making extra commitments at mass, by fasting on Holy Days, and by exercising our self-control. Do you find yourself tempted by the deception that willpower is overrated, and that worldly pleasures are ultimately fulfilling? How can you better work to 'tone' your self-control 'muscles'? In this time before the joyous Easter season, how are you preparing your life for Christ? What vices would you like to work on?

Father God, You in Your Infinite Wisdom have created me in Your image and likeness. You have crafted my life and world. Help me now, Lord, to glorify You by using my life for righteousness and goodness. Christ, you overcame temptation in the desert. Help me in my commitment to control my impulses, and enrich my life. I thank and praise You, Ever God, for Your ultimate sacrifice, and while I prepare for the season of Easter, I ask You to be with me and strengthen me. Lord, continue to bless my family with Your presence. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Mommy's Little Helper

Apparently, I waited a little too long to put away the diapers.

 

He took them out of the box for me. What a good boy! ;) 

 

Have you heard of this?

 

I just ran across this!

How exciting!

I'll be contacting my favorite CPC today, I do believe.

And then, of course, Grandma M. 

 

Getting Through the Little Chores

I've never been a very good housekeeper. My mom was always excellent at keeping up with the house, but with as many children as she has (number 10! due March 30), the house never appeared clean except on special occasions. I say never appeared because the foundations were always clean-she would sweep and mop and organize all the time-but there was always the daily clutter that built up.

It's tiring, keeping up with the little things. But until I really started to motivate myself to clean, I never really knew how much easier it is.

If I vacuum daily, I don't end up pulling out the 409 for food that N generously crushed into the carpets, at least not as often... If I sweep daily, I don't have to mop as frequently. If I keep the dishwasher unloaded, I can put dirty dishes in as soon as I dirty them, and I end up with clean counters and an empty sink... and no caked-on foods! If I put laundry away immediately, I don't end up re-washing clean clothes that somehow ended up on the bathroom floor. The list goes on.

Having N has motivated me to keep myself interesting-and by default, interested-while I do my daily chores. Music is motivating, especially when it's music you love. Talking about a chore, "Look at how messy this floor is! We need to clean it!" helps to keep his interest and mine. Letting N help when he can, and with supervision, might slow me down, but keeps me focused on the task and keeps tears to a minimum.

Keeping a clean house is a reward in itself, but extra nice is the response that D gives me on arrival at home. "Wow, honey, the house looks great!" means the world to me. I've also noticed that N is much happier when he has more room to play. Apparently the obstacle course of toys, boxes, clothes and computer parts is only entertaining for so long....

I would do quite a bit keep this little guy smiling!

Mommy's Birthday

I turned 24 today. Mid-twenties. Very strange to consider.

It might be motherhood, or a shift in priorities, or just terrible memory, but I haven't been able to keep track of the days lately. This morning it took until I was reaching into the fridge to pull out N's milk before I realized that it was my birthday.

Last year I made this cake for my birthday ------->

Because I share a birthday with the late great Dr. Seuss, I went with a Seussical cake. We brought it to Uncle L's house and showed off my newly learned made decorating skillz.

This year, Uncle L bought a cake a surprised us with it on Sunday. As we have left-overs, I'm not decorating a new cake.

Usually my birthday has me feeling very entitled and lavish, as though I want and deserve more, always. I remember my 21st birthday and how many people canceled or didn't show. I remember feeling like my friends should rearrange their schedules and shouldn't get sick because it's my birthday, after all. Oh, not that I really blamed those who weren't feeling well.

This year, I have been continually reminded of the blessings in my life. I have a loving and supportive husband, a clean house that I really do consider a home, and the two most well-behaved, loving, adorable little boys a mother could ask for. I have friends and family who love me and who I love. Our cats are well-behaved, clean and quiet. We're beginning to develop a community at church. We have a modest but steady income, and somehow even in the worst of times, we manage to get bills paid. Our car works.

As I type this, I have a cat purring on my lap. T is smiling while he naps in his bouncer. N is napping in his crib (he went down with only one cry for me, and that was because I was on the phone-sorry, love!). I can smell beef shortribs cooking in the oven. Cucumber salad is marinating in the refrigerator. And, on top of all that, I have time to sit here and type up this reflection.

I've been particularly influenced by this Proverb lately:

"The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." -Proverbs 14:1

Lord, guide me in my quest to be a wise woman. Teach me to build my house on Your solid foundation, and help me in my struggles not to tear it down. When I stray from the righteous path, help me, God, to find my way back. Keep me forever in Your sight.