One Mom's Plan for Lent

I'm a planner. A scheduler. A multitasker. All to the point of exhaustion at times and while I have learned to be flexible within "my plans" I can't let them, or the habit go completely. Actually, as a work from home, homeschooling mom of six, I kind of need a plan. So naturally as a Catholic, work from home, homeschooling mom of six, I'm looking ahead to Lent and "planning" what I'm going to give up and what "we" as a family might give up. Then I remembered a homily I heard regarding this very topic, several years ago. The priest discussed the difference between giving up things that are trivial or essentially meaningless (because we'll go right back to it once Lent is over without a second thought), and things we give up that do have meaning, that changes us for the better.

I also remember another homily where the priest suggested we do things we might not normally do that will also do us good, even if difficult. For example, committing to pray the Rosary daily for Lent. It might mean we give up watching that extra hour of T.V. in order to pray. Perhaps volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center during Lent means we miss going to the movies. It could be giving up going out to eat and putting that money towards a goal that will benefit the whole family.

Lent isn't just about giving things up, it is about giving ourselves over to Christ. Acknowledging his suffering and death, His Passion, leading up to the Resurrection, so that we can begin again every single day, to have hope and light through the darkness.

So this Lent I'm asking myself: How can I use this time to be a better mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend? The answer is by doing things that will serve others and making changes in my life. To do that, I need to ask God what He wants from me and that will not be easy to answer. It will require sacrifice of my time, myself, my desires and wants, it will require love, forgiveness, patience, commitment and lots of prayer. Regardless of the how's and what's, I "plan" to make the most out of this Lenten season.

So, what is your "plan" for Lent?