When I was younger there was almost a competition among my friends about who could give up the most for Lent. You usually chose what were considered comparatively hard, difficult things like: not eating candy, no arguing with your brothers and sisters, going to Mass more often in the mornings, obeying your mother without complaining etc. We also waited for Sundays to come when there was no fasting or need to fulfill these promises! Now all this was good and fitting for a child, but as we grew older we changed to more difficult objectives. Now I am more interested in DOING something rather than GIVING UP certain things during the Lenten Season.
Need Suggestions? How about these for a starter?
- Listen to others and try not to monopolize the conversation at table or elsewhere.
- Greet those you meet with a smile, as they might need this at that moment.
- Set aside some extra time for God “Be still and know that I am God” Ps 40;10.
- Offer to help someone who looks like she/he might need some help but can’t seem to ask for it.
- Take time to relax each day with reading, listening to music, or just taking a good long siesta.
- Go for long walk with no destination in mind and commune with the joy of God’s creation.
- Visit someone who is ill and see if you can do something for that person.
- Greet any request for help with a smile even if you know this will interrupt your work for a bit.
- Spend some time each day if possible in chapel or church, just being in God’s presence
- Take time to read something from the Scriptures each day and meditate on what you read.
- Do a spontaneous good deed for someone.
- Put some extra prayer time in your day instead of watching TV.
- Volunteer to help when and where you can.
- Be humble and ask for help when you need it.
— Sr. Helen Phillips M.M.