Stepping into Lent Amidst Chaos

Caroline Godin discusses how walking beside Jesus in the desert can bring us peace amidst chaos.

Lent came quick this year. If you made it to Ash Wednesday Mass, you’re off to a good start. So, now what?

No meat on Fridays, plan Holy Week services into your schedule, and stick to some sacrifice throughout Lent. Right?

For many mamas it’s like adding another to-do to the list, but what if we can make Lent mean more? What if Lent isn’t just about six weeks of giving up chocolate or shuffling in extra church time on the calendar? How can the chaos tamers, that’s us mamas, turn this season into something meaningful … for us?

Pause

Truth be told, we never stop. From rides and sports to homework and housework, we’re always shuffling. I promise you right now, mama, you’ve got five minutes, maybe ten, that you can pause. It’s there, somewhere in your day. Find it. Claim it. Own it.

Take that time to pause and think about Jesus in the desert. Not about your next conquest of the day or your shopping list. Think about our Lord’s preparation for His ministry. He’s fasting and praying and about to rebuild the world from the ground up. He’s about to rebuild our hearts and save our souls. Be with Him for those precious minutes, wandering the desert, praying, fasting (at least for that small time).

Whether we know it or feel it, Christ is with us every day. Why not take some time during Lent to be with Him? We can learn so much and grow deeper in prayer.

Empty

Jesus went to the desert with nothing. He didn’t pack snacks or water. He didn’t check the back seat for coloring books for something to do. He went empty handed.

We seldom go empty handed. We carry so much, and it’s hard not to as a parent.

What are you carrying in your desert? Kids? Work? Husband? Parents? Bills? Sickness? Give it all to Christ. Hand it over, so you can be in the desert with Him. Set them all down just for these few moments. Be empty so He can fill you. Be you, just you, with Jesus.

Accept

Jesus accepted His mission as He went through the desert. He prayed to the Father and gave His life over. Yes, He did that with the Cross, praying in the garden, but it started in the desert.

We have so much fighting for fixes in our lives. We feel we need to fix people, problems, debts, and more. What if we accepted circumstances first? What if, instead of fretting over how things are, we accept them first? That’s not to say some things don’t need attention and change, but acceptance takes the frantic out.

Yes, she’s impossible to deal with. How can I still love her? Yes, there’s a lot of digits on that bill. What small amount can I start with? Yes, this issue is overwhelming, but it’s there and not going away. How can I accept it and find resources to help?

Commit

Jesus was committed to His mission throughout the Gospel. It was His love that drove Him.

We start Lent by choosing a sacrifice or something extra we’ll do. Pray, fast, tithe, that’s the gist. But many fall off those commitments. What if we were attach a meaning to our intents?

You want to give up chocolate? Sure, but commit this sacrifice to something meaningful. Every time you crave chocolate, pray for the poor. You want to give up TV? Not a bad idea. Every evening, pick some Catholic reading or listen to a Catholic podcast instead. Maybe your Lenten sacrifice is for someone you love?

When your intent holds meaning, you’re more likely to commit. You’ll gain so much more from it too.

Embrace

Each of us has a mission in this world. Jesus knew His and took up His Cross. We must take up our crosses too, but we’re not alone when we do. The more we walk with Christ, the more we experience Him walking with us.

Our mission in our lives may not be so obvious. If we embrace God’s path, continue with prayer and humility, fasting from worldliness as much as possible, something beautiful happens. Our hearts become lighter, even if our burdens do not. Our way become clearer, ever if more obstacles present. And our faith becomes stronger, despite all opposition the devil might deploy.

Peace

Don’t let the season of Lent fall into your to-do list with grocery-like burden. Take the opportunity to turn those rides and chores into prayer. Walk with Jesus in your desert and hand over your worry. Let us take up our crosses and follow Him Who redeems all our hopes for tomorrow. Let the desert be your peace, so that your Easter brings greater joy.

Breathe, mama. You got this.

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 Caroline Godin
Images: Canva