My Lenten Journey

Aspiring to simplicity as a lifestyle has brought much joy. Lent, a season in the Christian faith marks the 40 days before Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the penitential preparation of the believer—through prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and self-denial. This year like many years I'm giving up something and trying to do more for the poor, particularly through my service in St. Vincent de Paul. Also this year I took a broader approach to my overall journey and that is trying to live more simply. For me, this includes walking as often as possible, eating light meals with fresh ingredients, praying as a way of life, and practicing moderation in food, drink, activity, to do lists and other areas that try to lure me into gluttony. I am finding that being this is creating a simplicity that is life giving. I feel more alive every day, my energy has increased exponentially and frustrations dissipate sooner. My Lenten journey of prayer and penance is creating peace, almsgiving is returning gifts of love untold and self denial is bringing joy in abundance. Perhaps I shall continue these 40 days forever.