Wednesday, February 17, 2010

40 Days of Lent - My Lofty Goals

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I have a very lofty goal for what I'm giving up for Lent.  I suspect that I will fail, after all, I am a sinner, but not without lack of trying.  The point is not to give up something that's easy, like brussel sprouts or cleaning!  The point is to give up something that has some sort of meaning in your life.  But, I'm going to take it a step further.  I'm going to START doing something that I've been avoiding for quite some time.  As they say, "walk the walk, don't talk the talk."

I've never taken Lent seriously before.  Never.  It's always been kind of a joke to me, like New Year's Resolutions.  However, this year will be different.

(1) I'm giving up: negativity.  Of course, this is a general term and it's near impossible to give it up completely if you really think about it, so I'm getting a little more specific.
  • I'm going to try to quit complaining about such mundane things in life such as a sock getting lost in the laundry, the dog licking my good pants as I walk out the door to work, Lallie throwing a screaming fit because she didn't get what she wants AND, the weather (after all, even though it's 40 this morning in Florida, really, can I compare at ALL to those up north right now? I think not!)
  • I'm going to quit letting a specific co-worker get to me with her miserable ways.  It's not worth it. I know I do my job, I do it well and my boss and I have spoken that all is well.  So, it's over, just let her be miserable and quit trying to defend myself against her when I have nothing to defend.
  • Lastly, I am NOT going to be liked by all.  I am a HUGE people person.  I would talk to a rock if it would talk back to me. And I've had issues with this since I was a kid, mainly because I was a nerd in grammar and high school.  So ever since, I've struggled to be liked by all I meet.  It's just not possible.  So, I'm going to quit trying to understand why certain people don't like me and get over it.  After all, it's their loss, not mine.
(2) I'm giving up shopping.  There are my own personal reasons for this. So, I'm following along with some twitter friends and will stop shopping.  This means for the unnecessary things.  Do I really need that smellicious candle? Do I really need that adorable shirt or shoes?  This does exclude Lallie however, as she is going to need new school clothes in the next few weeks as it warms up.  And, she's started to gain weight and quickly grow out of her older clothes.  (Drat, my one out! :-)

Now, onto the thing that I'm going to START.  I'm going to start reading the Bible a little a day, and meditate.  I need to find a good study, hopefully geared towards a full-time working mommy and wife.  This is going to be difficult.  Let me tell you.

Last night, it's Fat Tuesday, Lent hasn't even started yet and I've already given myself an excuse as to why I shouldn't start yet.  After all, I do have to finish the current book I'm reading and can't put down, right? WRONG!  (By the way, Firefly Lane is excellent)

Why is this so difficult for me?  What do I have to be afraid of?  Maybe my thoughts that I won't understand or won't know how to apply it to life?  I don't know, but what do I have to lose?  I love to read, I've read almost 8 books since January 1st.  This should not be difficult.  I am determined to start this evening.  I read every night before I go to bed.  Today is the day.  (I'll let you know how I did tomorrow).

So, that's it.  My lofty goals for Lent.  These are truly going to be very hard for me. But I'm determined.  I've always struggled in my walk with the Lord.  I'm in a better position now than I was 10 years ago, but still, there are things I can still do to improve my personal relationship.  Lent is the perfect time to start.

What about you?  What are giving up for Lent?  Are you giving it up for the right reasons?

Think about it.


9 comments:

  1. I think you have set wonderful goals for Lent and I know that the Lord will work in your life as you aim to reach them. Remember though that it is by His strength and His will that He works in you, you just have to be faithful on a daily basis, and He will complete His GOOD work in you....

    I'll be posting my lenten goals later today... lets work together to keep each other on target for Lent and to pray for each other as we grow!

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  2. I think you're goals are great, Jennifer! I know you'll be so happy on April 4 when you can say "I did it!".

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  3. You're a stronger woman than I am. But you have me thinking!
    Found you at Becky Ramsey's today.

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  4. I could not give up shopping. I am giving up potato chips! I gave up Starbucks last year and well it was ROUGH!

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  5. What wonderful goals! We'll all be cheering you on :)

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  6. I think you will do well with achieving your lent goals! You are such a good person and even if you struggle, I think it is great that you are putting forth a positive effort!

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  7. Good for you! I'm giving up being so critical this year ~ in all areas. This will be very difficult for me and I'm aware of that. I'm pretty sure my husband already has a date in mind of how long I'll last.

    Jo

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  8. You definitely have some great goals...you are a better person than I--just can't stop shopping!

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  9. Love this post. Exactly what I mean about doing something during Lent that means something--not just randomly giving up...chocolate. Some Twitter peeps argued with me over this the other day, but it's too hard to explain yourself fully on Twitter, so I just gave up.
    Hope you are well, and we can still have lunch without doing any purchasing! :)

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