Lenten 'Me' Time

I recall my days in parochial school vividly. One such recollection is preparing for the Lenten season. Number-two pencils in hand, we sat in our desks and scribbled out our Lenten resolutions in our best attempts at cursive writing. We thought of the things we held dear: watching cartoons, eating chocolate, riding our bikes......these were the things we'd sacrifice. (Today, children at this age would likely give up electronic gadgets: I-pods, video gaming systems, evening TV sitcoms.)

As I grew up, my Lenten sacrifices morphed, and they continue to do so today. Instead of giving up a favorite food or gadget a few years back, I pondered the things that really matter in life. Do I love chocolate? Yes. Could I live in a world without it? That would be challenging, but yes, I could. Do I love connecting on Facebook? Yes. Could I live in a world without it? Yes, definitely.

But TIME is something that I truly treasure....the few moments of 'me' time that I can eek out day by day, week by week. It's limited in this busy world...so it's pretty precious. I'm sure you can relate.

How do you spend YOUR 'me' time? Is it spent shopping, watching tv, playing computer games, reading the latest best seller, eating 'decadent' foods, getting your nails done or going to a spa? What would happen to you during Lent if you took those few precious moments each day and gave them up for another, or as a means to grow deeper into your faith?

Here are a few ideas for this upcoming Lenten season. They are just suggestions. They may not speak to you personally but they may trigger an idea:

-In lieu of shopping for entertainment, shop for another person. Plan a trip to shop for supplies for the local homeless or maternity shelter or a food bank.

-Instead of reading the latest best seller, dust off your personal Bible and read a few pages every day. Maybe this is a morning moment before you start your day....or a way to end your day before you hit the pillow.

-Unplug. Pull away from Facebook, texting, etc. and instead call up an estranged family member, write a real letter to an elderly acquaintance, visit the homebound.

-Instead of playing video games, take a walk. Look at God's creation and appreciate all of it's wonders. Better yet, help a neighbor shovel snow, rake up leaves, paint a railing.

-In lieu of going out to the spa or getting your nails done, take that money and donate it to the rice bowl, food bank, maternity shelter or homeless shelter.

-Instead of eating out, prepare a simple meal at home. Take the money you saved and donate it to a worthy cause.

-Change your reading format. Find books on the faith, about saints, Catholic traditions, etc. If you aren't the reading type then find Catholic programming....EWTN or videos on family/Catholic traditions.

-Refocus on others. You may be tired and crave some down time, but take those moments to rededicate to others. Read your child a book, do the dishes, start a load of laundry....do something around the house so your spouse or parent can rest.

-Start the day off right. In lieu of hitting the snooze alarm, get up early. Pray the rosary, go to daily Mass or find a book on Lenten reflections.

Again, these are just suggestions that may trigger something for you on a more personal level. Giving up a specific food item, beverage or personal gadget for 40 days is just the start. What you actually do with the TIME you have is one of the greatest sacrifices you can share with others, for others. Make it a Lent that counts each and every day!