I have to admit, I’m one of those scary, freakish persons who loves Lent.
I don’t exactly possess a lot of willpower. So, it’s hard for me to work on overcoming my faults. But, I love to follow rules, so Lent is perfect for me! We fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from meat on Fridays. We choose to either let bad habits go or to add new good ones (or both). Yay! LOVE Lent!
Lent is the perfect excuse for me to work on those qualities I possess which I am not exactly proud of…all those things that put a barrier between me and growing in holiness.
This Lent in particular will be very difficult. I’m on a restrictive diet. All I can eat is meat, fish, eggs and vegetables. I need a lot of protein at every meal or I begin to feel ill. So, giving up a food item is not on the short list of what to give up for Lent. I can’t just say, “I’m not going to eat candy,” and be done with it.
No. Not at all.
My kids keep asking me what I’m going to give up if not sweets (which I’ve already given up). They are watching Mommy closely to see how she handles 
Lent. Mommy needs to be a good example, especially in the area of humility. So, this Lent Mommy will work extra hard to be a servant to her family, to be even more conscious of what she can do to help her children grow in holiness, both by example and by direction. Mommy will take good care not to complain when things don’t go the way she planned. And maybe Mommy will make a small difference in how her children embrace suffering and sacrifice.
One Lent, a long time ago, I gave up taking the Lord’s name in vain. Never went back to it. I wouldn’t have had the gumption to do that if not for this penitential season. I’m glad for it. I’m glad the Church challenges me to become a better Christian. And I’m glad my kids haven’t grown up with a Mommy who throws the Lord’s name around like it’s a swear word. Yay, Lent!
So, challenge yourself this Lent. Don’t just give up chocolate or soda. Really stretch yourself. Be uncomfortable. Do the hard work. It will pay off.