Lent is a spiritual practice that I had never given too much
thought to. Coming from an Anabaptist theological background, this was never a
tradition that I had observed (although some fun digging around led me down a
very interesting rabbit hole as to why the Calvinist and Anabaptist doctrine
differs on this topic).
Regardless, what comes to mind is 40 days of no chocolate or
coffee, and being a new mom those are some vital staples to my current survival…
This year however, something within me was stirring and drawing
me to a time of reflection; a desire to calm and focus my heart in the midst of
the chaos of new parenthood.
Ash Wednesday approached and as I sat rocking my sweet
little bundle I contemplated what would be something significant to give up.
Coffee – definitely no. Chocolate – no. Social media – not for those late night
feedings. If only sleep was something that I could just piggy back right?! All
of these things actually seemed a little superficial.
What I needed was something more. What was I struggling,
with? What was I needing? What would draw my focus back?
I found that self-criticism had crept up and although this
is not a ‘typical’ thing one might give up for lent, it was what I needed.
I gave up self-criticism and in return every time a negative
thought would pop up I would redirect it. My new curves are a beautiful
reflection of new life. I am the best mom for this little guy. I am enough.
Ken became extremely amused by the constant eye-rolling (there
were no rules that I couldn’t eye-roll), and he took full advantage of
complimenting me during these past few weeks.
What a gift this time has been. By no means was this easy or
a time of boasting but it was a true time of perspective. A time to remember
who’s image I am made in and the value that holds…
“Finally,
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:8
