Month: February 2024

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Opening My Heart for Renewal

It’s Lent a time when many of us have been encouraged to give up something as a sacrifice, add or increase personal service to others, and in recent years, change our thoughts and/or behavior towards those who we do not agree with, or at worse, bring out the worse in us.

These are all great to consider for Lent.  But this year I have had a very difficult time being inspired or motivated by these options.  For me, after doing it for a couple of years, it becomes something I do without any or much resistance or motivation.  So I did not choose one but instead thought about it for a few days. (I really should have started to consider what I would do 1-2 weeks before lent. I didn’t)

This morning as I was meditating the idea of renewal came to me.  I was a bit hesitant, and am still mulling the how of it, I thought, why not. I am just going to have a little faith and believe that as I write the “how” will to come to me (please, God!).

Webster’s Dictionary defines renewal as: the quality or state of being renewed.  Well, for most of us it’s winter and many of us are feeling the effects of the cold weather and/or snow.  I am looking forward to Spring, a time when many flowers begin to bloom.

How am I connecting renewal and Lent? For me is living the days during Lent to renew all areas of my life, especially my spiritual and emotional areas. I want to ready when Spring comes that my mind, body and spirit are ready to fully embrace to take advantage of the weather. For example:

-Walking around a labyrinth while praying and/or meditating is a way to begin if only done weekly. Shorter walks to meditate can be done on other days.

-When doing mundane tasks, acknowledge a benefit to the task and be grateful for the opportunity to get the task done.

-Whether eating a meal, snack, or having a beverage think about who and what helped to get this to your store. 

-When connecting with family, friends and community and sharing a positive compliment.

For me, as I am easily overwhelmed, I will add to my to-do list and/or calendar some or all of the above. I will note a day of the week, time and for how long. 

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Deciding What is Enough

This idea came to me when I listened to an interview that Kristen Powers had with Jen Hatmaker about three weeks ago.

It made me start to think about what is “enough” for me. I know most people would apply this idea to material things. As I considered this, I realized it would apply to other aspects of my life.

To consider the material I have to ask myself some questions:

  • Have I ever consciously thought about what really is enough for me?
  • What criteria am I using, (mine or others) to decide enough?
  • How much of my idea of enough is based on needs and/or wants? Am I ignoring needs to give into my wants?
  • How do I or others gain from this?

I continued to think about this for a couple of days as I considered how it would apply to other ways/areas.  For example. I also applied it to other things.

  • Judging myself/others: Do I allow my judgement to be influenced by others? Do I follow the crowd or use my own knowledge to make decisions?
  • Overthinking: Do I think for too long or too much before making decisions? When overthinking, do I consider how much fear enter into my making a decision?
  • Talking: Am I talking too much? If so, why? Do I avoid participating in group discussion? Why?
  • Listening:
  • Overplanning: Do take on too much? Do you consider how saying yes to some or all requests made of you? How it affects your physical/emotional/mental health? Your time with family and friends?
  • When putting together your to do list for the day/week/month, are you reasonable with the number of items and the take it takes? This too affects your physical/emotional/mental health.

I am willing to bet you can think of other questions if you put your mind to think about it.

First, let me acknowledge that we must individually decide what is enough, what is too much and what is (harmfully) excessive. Yes, what is not enough (courage to speak up, take a stand, lend a helping hand, etc.).

This is not an easy task as it requires time, willingness to overcome fear, and strength to confront the unpleasant realization. Such as we may be more self-centered, more selfish than we believed. It may be unpleasant as well to learn/acknowledge that we are weak in certain areas.

One of the decisions I made this year, (notice I did not say, resolution), is to focus my energies on achieving what would further my total wellbeing in a way that reduces what is unhealthy and leads to growth and satisfaction. To that which leads to a healthy understanding of myself and self-worth. To re urges to “fit in”, “being enough” to please others and a deeper appreciation and gratitude for what I have and, most especially, who I am.

It’s early February and a good time to start a self-evaluation of one’s values/morals and connect them to your idea of what is enough.  But, if you decide to do this, remember just do enough to be satisfied that you put the right amount of time, effort and authenticity in this to learn and grow.

Thank you for reading this post. If you have any suggestions that would be helpful on this issue, please feel free to share them in the comments.

Have a blessed day and month!

*You can listen or read the Kristen Powers and Jen Hatmaker interview here