Back in 2008, Lent took on a different meaning in our home and I admit to dreading it since that time. It dragged on forever and the brightness of Easter was lost in the mist of our family's sadness. It was much like Narnia's eternal winter with no hope of Christmas. We've come a long way since those days, yet Lent still needs dusting off. Tonight we are spending Fat Tuesday putting out the purple cloths, putting away remnants of the Christmas season, and creating a salt dough crown. This year we'll use the crown in the spirit of the Advent wreath, adding six candles to count down the weeks until we again can see the brightness of Easter! I'll post a photo when we get it done. The big kids are helping with the crafting and hemming the prayer cloth and I'm enjoying seeing everyone working together.
There are notebooks filled with Lenten resources on the shelf, family meditations, crafts, prayers for the stations of the cross, etc. However, this year I realized what was needed was for me allow myself to enter into this time willingly and to recognize and trust in the period of waiting. Our Lord loves us so, how can we not trust in His perfect plan?
Tomorrow I'll attend Mass with the kids - our foreheads will be marked with ashes and we'll be reminded: "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel." The gospel tells us to not be afraid and to love one another. That will be my focus this year. Let us pray for one another that a spirit of peace and love permeates our families and all that we do.
Last year's post has the instructions for the Lenten Crown of thorns project and can be found here. Just remember, keep it simple and enjoy this time waiting for the Resurrection!
In the peace of the Good Shepherd,
Beate
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ReplyDeleteThis very much reflects my feelings of Lent. After Michael's accident, it seemed as though all of life, day in, day out, had become Lent. When Lent came around, I just couldn't bring myself to give up any of what I considered the few perks in my life or add anything more to my already overwhelming days. Six plus years after the proverbial train derailed; tracks have been repaired, new pieces laid and the train is on different tracks now but at least it runs! I'm actually looking forward to Lent this year. ~ Sabine
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Beate. I can't believe I didn't know you had a blog...or did I see it once when I was distracted and forget? I don't know, but I'm so glad to have found it. And Sabine, I love your comment. God bless you both. God bless you all.
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