I have never been able to stick to my Lenten promise. Literally, never. I have always "given in" and broke my promise. For years I stopped trying. I stopped giving up chocolate or ice cream or candy or social media or television. I just stopped trying. This year, even though I am still nursing our almost one-year old daughter and technically could talk myself into thinking that I don't have to make a Lenten promise, I have. This year, so far so good. I have not faltered yet. You're probably thinking "big deal, Ash Wednesday was just last week." But for me, I would have already broken my promise probably a day or two into Lent. This year I am trying hard. It isn't easy and in fact, I am tempted constantly. I gave up chips, popcorn and sweets. Go big or go home, right? I love salty snacks and white cheddar popcorn is my favorite. I eat a cup each day and really, really look forward to it. So, I figured giving up chips, popcorn and all sweets would be difficult but if I give them all up then maybe it would be easier. Everything has gone great until I was checking out at the market this weekend. An associate walked right up to me and said "Would you like two bags of FREE popcorn?" I stared at her like she was possessed. Two bags of popcorn, you ask. Why yes, yes I would LOVE two bags of popcorn. I looked at the bags, WHITE CHEDDAR POPCORN! ORGANIC! “Get away, Satan!" (MT 4:10) I yelled! LOL, just kidding. (Wouldn't it have been great if I did?) Instead I said yes, please and took the bags, paid for my other groceries and left. My husband said that I should have just not taken them, but he does not have said addiction to white cheddar popcorn and doesn't realize that the bags do not expire until September, 2020, which will give me PLENTY of time to consume them. Speaking of my wonderful, handsome husband. He gave up all sweets this year, as his sweet addiction is like my salty snack addiction. At my husband’s place of employment on the first Friday of Lent, a co-worker brought in FOUR boxes of donuts. And not just any donuts, my husband’s FAVORITE donuts. My husband refused his temptation and I still have to ask him if he yelled “Get away, Satan!" at anyone or at least thought to. This post is not just a humble brag but intends to be a witness that even people like me, who fail miserably at their Lenten promises, should dust off and try again.
Jesus gives us new chances and new beginnings. He loves us. He doesn't want us to give up something to draw us away from Him. He wants us to be united with Him. Reading the Gospel from yesterday, the first Sunday of Lent, when Jesus is led into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil (MT 4:1-11) made me realize that my temptations may seem trivial. But to Jesus, they are important and will help make me Holy. What Lenten promise did you make? How are you sticking to them? Share with us on Facebook! As always, thank you for reading. God bless you and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!
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