Sometimes we need to sacrifice.
I think we grow the most when we are willing to go outside of our comfort zone.
It gives God room to work in us.
As I’ve said before, I’m not Catholic, but I have found great joy and satisfaction in participating in Lent. I don’t typically “give something up,” per se. I usually spend a few weeks praying about what God might have for me to work on, and then plot out my plan of how I will accomplish this. I don’t like to be vague–I like to be very specific.
A few years ago, I committed to getting up at 4:30 every morning to pray for Superman’s healing. Going back and reading my prayers (I created a private blog that only I can see–it’s easier to write out my prayers, and they “flow” better) brings back those feelings of desperation, yearning, pleading for the Lord to hear me. Boy, did He come through for us.
And this year, I prayed long and hard about what it is that I should focus on for 2014. And it’s something similar.
This year, I am committing to get up at 4:30 every morning during Lent to pray specifically for my relationship with my kids as well as their futures.
I love my kids. I really do. But I struggle with them sometimes. A few of them more than others. Do you have that one kid who can push your buttons like nothing else? Well, even if you don’t, I do.
I want my kids to grow up and have healthy, fun, solid relationships with me. Don’t get me wrong–I want them to “leave and cleave,” so-to-speak, but I want them to feel like they can always call mom for a bit of encouragement or to spoil the grandkids. And right now I feel like they may not always want to do that. I think I need to work on my softness.
I pray for our kids’ futures ever night. Usually it’s a quick “help them to have strong relationships with you, God” or “please be preparing spouses for them,” etc.
But separating out a designated time each day to pray deeply for their futures is something I feel I need to do right now.
So, that’s what I’m going to do.
You may wonder about my kids, and whether they participate in Lent.
I’ve asked each of our kids over the past week to think and pray about what God might want them to work on for these next 40 days. I’ve let them know none of them are required to participate in Lent, but for those that do, they will each get a chart to mark off each day, and then on the last day, we will have a family celebration to recognize everyone’s efforts. I don’t expect perfection, just progress.
I showed this little video to them, and thought it was so sweet. A reminder of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness for 40 days:
So, how about you? Are you making a Lent commitment this year?
Lisa says
Wow. Thank you for sharing. As we know, the Lord speaks to us on so many levels and often, consistently reemphasizing the same thing over through different sources. This is mine, and I am grateful for you sharing your heart, because, for me – today – it was surely used by God to further clarify his wishes. I went to bible study this am and we are doing the Beth Moore study “Living beyond Yourself” – about the fruits of the Spirit. It has been great, though convicting, surely. So last week and today was on patience and next week on kindness and goodness. Softness is was I want to show my boys, too. I will join you. Not at 4:30 am. But maybe 5:30. I’ll pray about that 🙂 Again, Thanks for posting and for the encouragement of a sister.xoxo
Life Made Full says
Thanks, Lisa! I will be praying for you during Lent!
Monica says
This is a great inspiration. I have a renewed relationship with the Lord since one of my children suffered a tragic accident. I have a strained relationship with my kids. Guess in a way their father is always good cop, and I’m bad cop. After my chold’s injury, I’ve had a hard time dealing with so many things. My commiyment is simply to pray for my renewed faith and trust in God. He always knows how much we can handle.
Life Made Full says
I’ll be praying for you, Monica!
Danielle says
Hi Shanti, I am almost embarrassed to ask this but how are you planning to pray for your kids each morning? By this I mean…do you have any specific resources like books, music, etc that you use? Do you have any particular order or set of steps (so to speak) that you follow every morning when you sit down to pray? The reason I ask is that I have felt called to do this for a while for two reasons. I am struggling with my connection with my kids and my prayer life is lacking. But I have had much trouble finding a routine and sticking to it. Thanks for sharing this tonight. This has motivated me to try harder. God Bless.
Life Made Full says
Hi, Danielle. I have a private blog online (only viewable by me), and I just type away. I decided I will pray for a different kid each day in the beginning, and then see where it goes from there. When I get up, I give myself a few minutes to get going (brush my teeth and stuff to wake up), then sit down at the computer to write out my prayer for the day. After that, I get my coffee brewing, and sit down and read my Bible. I know that’s not necessarily “steps,” but hopefully that helps a little bit! I’ll be praying for you over these next 40 days!