We've had two whole Fridays of abstinence, and I haven't accidentally eaten meat yet, y'all. I can't begin to tell you what an enormous success this is for me! In celebration, I thought I'd share a few of the things that are accompanying me through this Lenten season.
-1-
I start my mornings with two resources. The first is My Lenten Prayer Book. It has the Gospel reading for the day, followed by a short reflection and prayer. I enjoy starting the day with the Gospel, it's a really lovely habit that I have not been fortunate enough to keep up through the years, but I'm hoping that by the end of these 40 some-odd days, that I will hang on to this practice.
-2-
Next I pull out the Lenten Companion from Magnificat. I'm a fan of Magnificat in general (when I remember to get a new one at the beginning of the month and actually manage to keep up with it). Their seasonal companions are usually the same lovely quality. It has been a great follow up, because where the first is mostly the Gospel reading, Magnificat gives a more in depth reflection on the days reading, adds a prayer, and then has one more addition that I think might be my favorite feature. At the bottom of the page for each day is a suggested penance usually relating to the readings. Just something small such as "do something concrete to help the poor today." I enjoy that little challenge in my day, and the reminder to go out and put feet on my faith.
-3-
This has been a little more challenging. I started reading volume one of the works of St. Teresa of Avila at the beginning of this year when I chose her as my patron for 2013. I'm slowly working through it and taking a wealth of notes, but it is hard to pick up in the middle of a section and harder still to complete a full section with the short clips of time that I have in between this whole mothering vocation I've got going on here. It makes me a little sad, because I'm really interested in the writings, but it really does take more time and concentration than I am usually granted during the day. Nonetheless- slow and steady wins the race. Or at least that's what I'll keep telling myself because I don't really have any alternatives.
-4-
I'm still managing to stick with Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare. I'm following her prompts for recording three gifts a day, and since starting at the beginning of the year, I have now managed to surpass 150 gifts. This exercise has not only made me more aware of the blessings large and especially small (but precious) during my day, it has also given me a concrete record to refer to on days when I am feeling less than exuberant about my life... which tends to happen more frequently when the weather is cold and dreary as it has been.
-5-
This is kind of an interesting one. The idea was presented to me by my handsome husband. I can't remember if he read about it or heard about it from friends, but after he discussed it with me, I decided to give it a try. A Mass Journal is basically just a riff on taking notes in class, which is pretty much my favorite part about any class anyway. The idea is to jot down inspirations from the readings or homily. I loved this idea because many times I've been struck by one of Father's many outstanding homilies, but by the time we make it to the car, I've lost the essence. I don't know how some people might feel about writing during Mass, but I'm pretty comfortable writing anywhere. I'm also not confident that I'll be able to stick with this regularly or often, since many homilies find me in the narthex pacing up and down with a squirming baby, or if I somehow manage to still be in a pew, I'm shushing my non-stop whisperer (that's totally NOT a whisper). Still, I like the idea behind it, and it never hurts to have a journal on hand to capture a piece of wisdom that otherwise wouldn't survive in my brain past the parking lot.
-6-
I've also tried to add the Night Office back into my bedtime routine. I started praying the morning and night office a few Lents back, and was able to stick with it at night for about 6 months, then some how (as with so many things) I started missing a few here and there and then it just petered out completely. I really do appreciate having that structured prayer at the end of my day, so I've decided to try and give it another go. I often just snuggle in the dark and read it on my iPhone instead of using my Breviary, but it still gets the job done, though not with the added pleasure of a more tactile experience. Exhaustion makes willing sacrifices of the small luxuries, I suppose.
-7-
Finally, what I find the most soothing. A rosary as I'm falling asleep. This is absolutely my favorite nighttime rosary. It pretty much lives under my pillow. I have a beautiful one from my husband and daughter for mother's day that has crystal which sparkle like flame. I carry it with me in my bag. I keep one downstairs from my sister that is made of olive wood beads and has water from the Jordan river. I have one on my desk that my sweet friend, Lindsey, sent to me from her visit to Lourdes. They are all special to me for different reasons, but for some reason this tiny, simple rosary just soothes my soul the instant I pick it up. It's just a tiny loop of cheap wooden beads, knotted together with colored twine. It was made by some sweet sisters who were selling them at a family retreat that I went to with my bro and his fam several summers ago out in the Texas hill country. It's is perfect for night time. It is silent because there no metal links (this also ensures that it doesn't fall apart in case it slips away and gets tossed willy-nilly in the blankets overnight) and the wooden beads warm to the touch in my hands. It just makes me happy. Many times I don't even make it to the third decade before falling asleep, but I think that there is something lovely in the trusting comfort that allows for that.
I hope that everyone is having a fruitful Lenten season so far. I would love to hear what you've added to your days!
After you share, be sure to head over to Jen's for more 7 Quick Takes!
After you share, be sure to head over to Jen's for more 7 Quick Takes!
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