It Is My Lent to Break

Pam Spano offers encouragement in finding your purpose if you've discovered you've set your Lenten expectations too high.

While looking for Lenten inspiration, I came across Madeleine L’Engle’s beautiful poem, “It is my Lent to break.”

20220324 PSpano It is my Lent to break

I think we can all relate to having our own high expectations when starting our Lenten journey. It doesn’t take long for those expectations to turn into the ashes we received on Ash Wednesday. However, over the years, I have learned to lower my expectations and keep things simple.

Instead of piling on my to-do list, I make a commitment to do at least ONE thing during Lent and keep it consistent. The pressure is off and accomplishing that one thing is a doable goal.

Reaching that goal gives me confidence, which usually leads me to add another goal.

Yes, I said add. I know that Lent is about sacrifice and “giving something up,” but for me, it’s adding something. What I mean by adding can be anything. My go-to “add” is usually a donation to a local charity. Local is important to me because I feel my own community should come first. Donations of cash or clothing and books helps me feel like I’m doing something to help those around me.

Now you might think donating is “giving up,” but for me it is not. I feel I’m in a position to help others who have way less than I.

Click to tweet:
It doesn’t take long for our Lenten expectations to turn into the ashes we received on Ash Wednesday. #catholicmom

If you’re struggling to find your purpose this Lent, here is the best article I’ve found on the subject from Catholic Wife, Catholic Life on Facebook.

Just remember: It is your Lent to break.

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