FAT Tuesday

Yup, that’s right…Lent is right around the evening corner.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a little fat these days, not physically, but in just about every other way. Loaded down with lots of “to-do’s”, a full DVR, an office that needs a major cleanout, kids activities running out my ears, not enough time to workout, tons of freelance work and not enough time to spend with Scott.

Lent? Bring it.

For tomorrow, we’ll be doused with ashes to remind us that from ashes we were created and to ashes we will return. But during that time, just what are we doing to give our lives purpose, to give Glory to our Maker?

If you’re a practicing Catholic, you know that this season is about fasting, alms giving and prayer. Even if you’re not, I have a sneaking suspicion that you’d like to take a deep breath, refocus and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter.

We should be fasting from the things that interfere with our holy relationship with God…not just the fasting from chocolate or cokes, my friends. I’m talking about the biggies. What are your vices that keep you from holiness? Too much on the DVR, too much internet (i.e. facebook and twitter), too much yelling, not enough repentance? Whatever it is, take a long hard look and make your fast worth the sacrifice.

Giving of our time, talent and treasure through alms giving is something we hear about every Sunday at Mass. But Lent gives us the excuse to actually do it. I have some ideas, but you’ll have to tune in tomorrow for those.

Prayer. Right, like I have time to do that. Well, that’s actually the story I gave the priest a few years ago during confession. Told him I was stressing out and absolutely could not find 30 minutes to offer up to God. Pathetic and self-centered – yes – I’m raising my hand. You know what his reply was? “Kathryn, you gotta stop praying like a nun and pray like a mom. Own your vocation. God called you to be a mom, so find the little moments during the day to have a relationship with God.” Huh, those priests do know a thing or two about spirituality. So, I took his advice. I stopped stressing over finding the right Bible study or the the 30-minutes of reflective reading. Instead, I offer up a load of laundry for my kids. I say a prayer when I get really stressed out and want to lose it…I ask God to give me guidance. We play Christian music in the car and the kids sing along. When we hear sirens, we pray for protection of those hurt and those helping them. There’s lots of things to do…and as Mother Teresa says, all those little things turn into something great.

So, here’s to feeling fat and looking forward to the diet for the next 40 days…and beyond. It’s going to be a fantastic Lent. I can feel it. Who’s in?