A Season for Lent & Self-Love

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