High Hopes with a Dash of Perseverance

Kristina Talbot reflects on persevering through this season of Lent even when we have not met our own expectations.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Much like with my New Year’s resolutions, I find that often within the first two weeks of Lent, I have faltered and my high hopes of growing in holiness have been thwarted by soccer games, carlines, meal prep, and a house that doesn’t appear that I cleaned it last weekend. Through the years, I’ve come to accept that the intentions of sacrificial acts and increased prayer time are good. But perhaps, we would be better served if we were more intentional rather than merely good intentioned.

Being Intentional About Lenten Practices

Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. (Psalm 90:12)

Often, we number our days by filling up our calendars. Gaining wisdom of heart can be as simple as implementing a pause to reflect before making additions to our schedules. Reflective questions may include: Am I called to this? Does this align with our family’s mission? Is this life-giving? Will this create additional stress? What relief do I feel at the thought of saying ‘no’?

Trying to do so many things with the best of intentions unfortunately may inadvertently set us up to falter. This misalignment can manifest itself in several ways. For us as moms it often leads to us getting sick, sheer exhaustion, stress and irritability as our weaknesses are brought to the forefront on display for our family to experience firsthand. What if instead during this Lenten season, we recalibrated and asked the Lord for the gift of His wisdom to set our days aright?

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We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

When we are intentional, we are deliberate in our actions. It is difficult to remain focused on multiple things at once, but we can choose to hone our priorities. Perhaps it’s praying the Rosary as a family selecting a night when you are most likely to have your household together. It could be taking a break from picking up your phone without a dedicated reason in mind for what you need to accomplish or respond to. It could also be committing to read the Scripture passages of the day, starting with three out of seven days as a goal and slowly increasing that as you have success with this approach.

Staying Positive as We Persevere Through Lent

It can be difficult to stay positive when we have in mind what we believe we should do during this sacred time. Often, the internal critical voice can undermine our efforts and focus our attention solely on what we are not doing or how we have fallen short. It is possible to over-scrutinize our weaknesses in a way that distracts us from what is being offered. There is tremendous grace to be had during this Jubilee year of Hope. We even have the great gift of the Sacrament of reconciliation to purify our hearts and regain our footing upon the Lord as our rock.

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Thankfully, our forty-day Lenten journey is just unfolding. I am convinced that the Church in her infinite wisdom knew brain mapping and neuroscience long before it was ever formalized. The reality is that it takes time to form new habits, extinguish old ones and to develop new skills. There is a reason we are given six weeks to implement these inspired practices or diminish some less desirable behaviors. It’s as though we are known, and the Lord knew we needed time each year to set our gaze upon Him which allows us to be intentional with our actions.

Let us not be discouraged by our weaknesses but rather persevere as a pilgrim people in the hope of the One who is to come.