L-E-N-T

I have a love/hate relationship with Lent.

I dislike Lent for all of the obvious reasons, the "giving up" things, the voluntary suffering, the extra penances, the extra masses...(which amounts to penance with little kiddos).


But I also love it, really and truly.


You know that feeling you get when you walk through your house and realize that a serious 27 fling boogie is in order...except that your particular "27" needs to be more like "27,000"? Every nook and crannie needs to be scrubbed, and could we please just throw away those awful dish towels and go buy some new ones already?


Yes, that is how my soul feels about this time every year.


Isn't the Church so very wise?


I used to feel a bit guilty about housecleaning during Holy Week. I mean, wouldn't my time be better spent meditating on The Passion and doing extra rosaries with the kids? Is getting my home in order for the upcoming Easter Bash really an appropriate use of my time?


Cleaning is penance for me, I admit. And so, while washing and scrubbing and tossing and organizing, I meditate.


I force myself to be cheerful and upbeat.


I smile.


It's the same with my soul. The penances are hard for me. The extra masses, prayers and visits and did I mention the chosen penances? Very hard for this squishy soul. But my joy abounds during these penances, much the same way I smile while scrubbing the floor.

The result will be pleasing to me.


The result will be pleasing to Him.