I have a bad tendency to congratulate myself on the good I did during Lent…. This year I lost a few pounds by fasting and giving up certain sweets. I donated a bunch of clothing and gave some extra cash to charities. I did continue my Bible in a Year daily readings, and I attended a Reconciliation service. And now I think can relax my vigilance about these things and slip back into my old habits, or “back to normal.”

But that’s not what I should do.

Hopefully I learned something from my Lenten practices. As I pondered my 2022 journey so far, I realized I had really overindulged during the winter and gained back some of the weight I lost last summer. My diligence in watching what I was eating during Lent and periodic fasting helped me get back on track.

My review of my clothing during Lent got me thinking that I really do have too many clothes. I don’t really need ten sweaters and four sweatshirts (even though I do live in Minnesota), and I certainly don’t need 16 winter shirts and 18 summer shirts, not even counting tees! There are many people who only have a few items, and I certainly can stand to part with several of these, so several pieces went into the donation box.

When I attended the reconciliation service shortly before Palm Sunday, I realized it had been many months since I last had gone to confession. What happened that I failed to go more often? Laziness, I guess. Thus I had several things to confess, especially when I consulted the detailed confession guide my church provided for us. Oops.

All this reminded me that I cannot go back to my old “normal” ways. Even though Lent is over, I need to remain diligent about my habits – making sure I stay as close on track in my faith as I can. I need to continue a pattern of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. I know there will be times when I will slip up, but I can always go back to confession to return to the right path.

I encourage you today to think about the good things you did during Lent and resolve to continue them as we head into the Easter season. If you didn’t do many good things, that’s okay – you can always start now. Don’t just slip back into your old “normal” – make some permanent positive changes. Who knows what kind of blessings may await when you follow Jesus.

Have a blessed Monday!

Faye

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