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Lent - A Time to Reset
Dear Families,
What are you giving up for Lent?
Probably the hardest Lenten vow I’ve made was the one year I gave up meat - forty straight days of tuna, grilled cheese, and bean burritos. I am a carnivore through and through, so this experience tried me to the core. Lately, my vows have been more based on technology, limiting screen time, removing time on apps, etc.
Why do we do this? There are many reasons, though one of the most important I find is to build up the practice of denying ourselves. I don’t often get tempted to do really bad things, but I am almost constantly tempted to do little bad things: like scroll on my phone when I should be watching my toddler, or stay up watching television a little later than I should. Part of spiritual growth is recognizing these habits, that though little, gnaw away at us over time. Little indulgences become habits, habits become addictions, and all of these things weaken us. They weaken our connection with each other, and most importantly, our connection with the Lord.
Recently, I have noticed that I have the tendency of waking up in the morning, and immediately scrolling my phone. This isn't a good or productive habit. At school, we have noticed misbehavior on the rise lately. Whether it's more aggressive than usual roughhousing, gossiping, frequent tardiness, extended loitering in the hallways, or not using study time or technology wisely, these behaviors, if not checked, can lead to troublesome habits.
Now my mornings start with the mantra, “God comes first.” And so before anything else in the morning, I say “God comes first,” and then I pray. That self-awareness, that discipline, I’d like to attribute it to that habitual Lenten practice. All those bean burritos were good for something.
This Lent comes at a perfect time. It is that perfect reset, to turn our eyes back toward God, and to begin growing toward him by strengthening our ability to say no to ourselves and to troublesome temptations.
As February changes to March, our eyes and hearts turn toward Ash Wednesday. What are you giving up for Lent?
God Bless,
Siggy Spelter
Principal
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