Boy, Lent really snuck up on me this year! Maybe because it still looks like “In the Bleak Midwinter” around here. And I am just not in the mood to give up something. Make that — something more. I’ve already given up most of my favorite foods. I get a lot of value on PBS and Facebook — I don’t see any virtue in giving them up.
My wise friend Posy reminded me, “Lent. I’m sure you are already aware of people adding doing good rather than giving up stuff.” Okay, but… my days are already too full of obligation. Too little time. Surely adding more busyness and stress is not what this season is all about?
Yet — I think Lent is a good thing in itself. A time, once a year, to think about temptation and sacrifice. To recognize how you’ve fallen short, and to take some concrete action to better.
(And of course, many religions do this, not just Christianity. Even non-religions. Personally, I was raised a pagan. When it came to religion, my parents were uncomfortable and mildly hostile. I was mildly curious. Then I married a man who was raised in a family where the church was a fundamental part of their lives and identity. I have been a churchgoer ever since. Albeit one with a mildly off-center perspective on Lent and other church stand-byes. )
Anyway, I ran across an article in the New York Times entitled, “How to Be a Better Listener.” And decided that will be my Lenten discipline for 2019. Avoiding the temptation to drown the conversation with my own thoughts, and asking “What do you think?” first. Focusing on what the other person is saying right now, instead of waiting impatiently for my turn to speak. I don’t know about you, but for me, that is a real sacrifice.
But one which doesn’t give up something which brings me joy, or add more pressure. And maybe — can transform my perspective for the better? We shall see.
