Slice of Life Day 5. Join the Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life Challenge.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I am an Episcopalian. We do Lent. I will go to church later and have ashes put on my forehead and hear the familiar words, “You are from dust and to dust you will return.” If you think about it too much, it’s kind of scary. But I like the humility of it.
I have been reading a number of blog posts by teachers and by students. Yesterday, I read a student’s post about being yourself. Even as a grown-up this is hard to remember. I want to compare myself to all those other blogging teachers out there. I want to look at myself and wonder what I could be if I just made a decision and stuck with it.
Sometimes, though, it comes down to just being the best of the you you were made to be. I think that is the purpose of Lent. Lent’s not so much about the brow beating, guilt wrenching suffering of giving up. It’s more about sitting with God and adsorbing all the love he has to give and then living your own life. Not the life that you think you should be living, but the one you have. To the fullest.
Before I get too preachy, let me set my goals for my Lent. I did New Year’s resolutions that lasted a few weeks. I signed on for Nerdlution at the end of January and pledged to exercise, write, and be Open (my one little word for 2014). Now Lent. I’ve decided to give up sweets and not for the usual reasons. I want to loose a few pounds and I don’t want to diet, so practically speaking, giving up sweets may be all I need to do. (And exercise more, #nerdlution continues…)
Photo by Jennifer, Creative Commons, Flickr
The real practice for Lent will be my “take on.” I want to take on random acts of kindness. I have been inspired by Michelle Haseltine at One Grateful Teacher. Michelle set this goal for her Nerdlution. I have enjoyed reading about all her kind acts and amazed at how really easy it can be.
Now I am committed. I’ve made the pledge publicly. And I threw away a not quite empty bag of mint chocolate M&M’s! Tragic.
You are working hard to get better. Careful, make sure you can enjoy life too!
Don’t worry. I am not giving up dancing!
I love how you reflect on Lent as a season to absorb God’s love. I am still debating my practice for Lent this year, but I do want it to be more than just giving up. Our pastor has shared that the reason for giving up things is to make more room for God. That’s what I want to focus on.
So much wisdom here. I love the idea oh kindness during lent. Makes one focus on something positive instead of what you are giving up.
Good idea to make your Lenten resolution public so you are not tempted to cheat! I should do the same. But I would have saved those M&M’s for Easter Sunday!
I have boxes of Thin Mints coming that will be ready for my Easter chocolate feast!
Margaret, You inspire me so often, I’m grateful to be able to serve as inspiration for you. For lent, I am going to get outside everyday. I was inspired by this blog post: http://nebraskagreensprouts.blogspot.com/2014/03/lent-in-gods-holy-creation.html Can’t wait to hear about your acts of kindness. Get ready! It’s an amazing ride!!
Thanks for the link. Getting outside with the sole purpose of enjoying nature is an awesome idea. And I live in a perfect area to do that.
Nice to be so thoughtful, Margaret.
I suggested to two third graders yesterday to “take on” something during lent because they weren’t getting the idea of giving up. I think taking on kindness is a special way to consider this season.
Wonderful post. Yes, I’ve been doing lots of thinking about Lent myself. Going to get my ashes this afternoon. 🙂
Go for it, Margaret – such a worthy goal!
Yay Margaret! What great goals you have set and so many commitments you have welcomed into your life.