How You Can Change Things Up This Lent
What are you giving up this Lent? That seems to be the question most people ask during this time of year. But, is that the right question? What if...
How Are You Working On Yourself This Lent?
Christopher Wesley
Feb 18, 2020
“When was the last time you went on a retreat?” I had a hard time answering my friend’s question. He was asking the question because he saw something I had not yet seen. I was running on empty, overworked, and at risk of being overwhelmed. I shrugged off his concern and explained that I was getting fed through all the retreats I lead for the teens in my ministry. I was being fulfilled by what I was putting into the ministry. While I was buying my crap, he could see right through it. He suggested that I should sign up, and I told him I would think about it. I would eventually burn out before making some significant changes.
With Lent approaching, many of us are planning opportunities for our teens and their families that will help them grow closer to Christ. It’s a busy season for those of us in parish ministry, and if we’re not careful, we could find ourselves working on the fringes. While there are some significant changes, we should make most of us need to start small. Here are three simple steps you can take to invest in your spiritual growth this Lent:
JOURNAL THE JOURNEY
Whether it’s daily or weekly set aside time to reflect on the path God has set forth for you. What you journal about is up to you, but each approach has its benefits. A:
- Gratitude journal where you note all the blessings in your life will grow a loving heart.
- Stream of consciousness approach will help you dump all the thoughts in your head. Some of it will make sense, and the rest of it throw away for a clear mind.
- Prayer list will help you think about those in your life who are in most need of God’s grace. As you encounter, people write down their names and pray for them.
Journalling doesn’t have to be complicated, but the more consistent you are, the deeper the experience.
FAST FROM PIZZA
Giving up sweets or junk food might seem a little cliché, but it really can make a difference in your spiritual life. I am not a nutritionist, but I do know how much better I feel when I eat healthily. Lent might not be the season for you to do a complete diet overhaul, but imagine fasting from pizza, candy, and anything else you might serve at your programs. Use that fast as a reminder that one does not need to live on bread alone.
PLAN A DAY AWAY
When was the last time you were on a retreat? It’s a question I think we all need to ask ourselves honestly. While Lent might not be the season to go away for a weekend, you should take one day off from work (Not your day off), pray, journal, and find something that brings you joy. Do it alone, don’t meet with anyone unless it’s a spiritual director or you go to confession. Plan your personal retreat day for better success.
Lent is a reminder of how much we need Jesus in our lives, which can be a difficult concept for those of us continually sharing Him with others. When you are so focused on others, it’s easy to lose sight of loving ourselves and allowing God to love us too. But, you can’t grow disciples and accompany the young church if you aren’t doing it for yourself.
One day I’d love to see parishes step up and cultivate this culture for their employees. I know some pastors do this but, imagine working at a place that valued your formation and spiritual health. A place where staff prays together regularly and is encouraged to invest in themselves can lead to a healthier work environment that attracts leaders and the change your community needs. Few of us would be driving on empty.
How do you plan to invest in yourself this Lent?
Want more content and resources? Consider being an MYMU Member today.