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I've been so bad about blogging! We've had stuff going on, too--like 2 birthdays and interesting weather and all that. But the bright side of my neglect is that it's because I've been so busy with writing work. I have re-connected to a good client who just has all sorts of potential for future work and references to other clients, we have already made 3 times as much income in February as we did in January. My sweetie is helping me, and we're a great team. I have a professional designer working on my website for free (he's a church goer and doesn't have any money to tithe, so this is how he gives. I have no problem with taking that kind of charity!).
I am loving this work-at-home stuff. Matt's home with me a lot, and that's nice--we actually kind of like each other.
It's already Ash Wednesday. We started meatless Lent today--so I had to pack lunches for the kids. David was so excited that he got to take a lunch box, I thought his little head would pop off. I don't think people are supposed to be that happy about Lent. Besides meatless, another change our family is making (to really kick up the suffering) is that Matt is getting a break from cooking. Yes, I am going to cook all throughout Lent. It's going to be quite a penitential time for everyone. If the kids weren't grateful for their father before, they will be by the time Easter rolls around.
Here's a quotation that our bishop sent out. It's written by Henri Nouwen, whom some of you may be familiar with. I like it because it stresses that we don't give up things for Lent because they are bad; rather, we give them up to make ourselves into people who may enjoy many things, but need nothing but the love of God.
The world with its challenges is not a bad place for you.... There is stimulation, excitement, movement and a lot to see, hear, taste and enjoy. The world is only evil when you become its slave. The world has a lot to offer-just as Egypt did for the children of Jacob-as long as you don't feel bound to obey it. The great struggle facing you is not to leave the world, to reject your ambitions and aspirations or to despise money, prestige or success, but to claim your spiritual truth and to live in the world as someone who doesn't belong to it. It is exciting to win a competition, it is interesting to meet influential people, it is inspiring to listen to a concert at Lincoln Center, to see a movie or to visit a new exhibition at the Metropolitan. And what's wrong with good friends, good food and good clothes?
I believe deeply that all the good things our world has to offer are yours to enjoy. But you can enjoy them truly only when you can acknowledge them as affirmations of the truth that you are the Beloved of God. That truth will set you free to receive the beauty of nature and culture in gratitude, as a sign of your Belovedness. That truth will allow you to receive from your society and to celebrate life. But that truth will also allow you to let go of what distracts you, confuses you and puts in jeopardy the life of the Spirit within you....
What's everyone else doing for Lent?
3 comments:
You know, I haven't been Catholic for a long time, but I still give things up for Lent every year. In the chaos of life it's easy to lose sight of the difference between what we just want, and what we actually need. Lent is a great opportunity to reflect on what's important and make the sacrifices necessary to adjust the balance. This year I am thinking about my new house and the fact that it's in a constant state of disaster from one end to the other. My go-to excuse is that I am just really busy with work and school, and I don't have time to clean... But the truth is, the time I spend at home is way more than enough to actually do something about it. But I don't. I'm playing on the computer, or reading my book for hours, or watching movies. I have no excuse. I lack self-discipline, motivation, and the sense of pride that should come with homeownership. The state of my house, and the real reason it looks that way, fills me with negativity and increases stress levels for both me and Michael. All because I'd rather do these other things I get enjoyment out of, but the longer this goes on, the less enjoyment I get out of them.
So this year I am giving up the first two hours after I get home from work, on the nights I don't have school, and two hours over the weekend, to home maintenance. Sadly, there's enough work to fill that time from now until Easter...
Huh. I didn't know you didn't consider yourself Catholic any more. I just thought you were a Catholic who didn't go to church much. There are a lot of those.
I'm abstaining from baked goods with chocolate... no cookies, brownies, croissants. It's going to be a matter of strong focus for me, because I LOVE all of those.
Someone today said that she doesn't give anything up for Lent because she doesn't like to feel deprived. I just felt sorry for her.
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