I always start the season of Lent hoping for a huge, spiritual transformation. I usually end Lent disappointed as I remain virtually unchanged, same old, same old Rachel – sins, warts and all.
Determined that this year be different, I knew I had to make some changes to help Lent 2020 along. So back in January I did the following:
- I asked God for direction in what I should focus on and not left that decision to Ash Wednesday.
- I looked on-line at good sites to find resources to support me such as good books, on-line retreats, etc.
- I put the items I have found on my planner and calendar (along with digital reminders when possible) so I remember to actually do them.
The result is that I know I am being asked to reconsider and reconfigure my on-line time. In other words, I know I spend too much time wasting time on-line and I don’t even have FB or an Instagram account to blame!
I have been considering this change since my resolutions of New Year but did nothing about it until I saw this video from Fr. Mike Schmitz – Acedia: The Noonday Day Devil – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AHWlZ_ptvc
And just today – https://spiritualdirection.com/2020/02/24/the-vice-of-acedia-and-our-use-of-the-media-part-1 The fact this article mentions eutrapelia, my favorite virtue from our LF wreaths was just bonus and confirmation!
Clearly, acedia (my proper use of time or lack thereof) is the vice God is asking me to tackle this Lent.
I also recognized I have almost constant worries I keep giving to God and taking back. I can’t seem to remember that I am NOT in charge, but He is. And one of my biggest fear is for those family members, both near and far, who have wandered from the Church, both near and far.
In that regard, I found this book offered by https://www.sophiainstitute.com/ and will be prayerfully reading that instead of wasting time on-line.
Finally, I’m signed up to have my Best Lent Ever 2020 through Dynamic Catholic https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-lent-ever Granted, this will come to me on-line but what a good use of that time.
So, while on-line (something I am being asked to reconsider) I found my Lent and am laughing at God’s use of irony.
It’s not too late for you, after all Ash Wednesday is still 2 days away. Be prayerful with God and ask Him how your Lent should look and then make a plan. I’ll be praying for you and your family that Lent 2020 is your best Lent ever.
