Lent begins this Wednesday. I have found numerous ideas for celebrating Lent, including many for helping children to experience Lent. Before I offer any suggestions, I will start by suggesting that first and foremost, you don't overwhelm yourself with things to do. It is a time for fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. What it is not supposed to be is a burden. It is a time to step back a little bit from the things that normally keep us busy and reflect upon our spiritual condition. This is best done unencumbered. Plan to do less rather than more. Give yourself and your family more quiet time.
Generosity should come from the heart, not out of duty. Think about ways that you would like to share with and care for others outside your everyday sphere. Let your children think of some and plan to follow through with one or two ideas each week.
Morning Prayer in some form is a beautiful way to begin the day. Before everyone is off to work or school, have breakfast together and say grace before the meal. Pray a Morning Offering or give a blessing to each member of the household before they cross the threshold to go to work or school. It only takes a couple of minutes , and the day is started well. As I home school, I like to do the Liturgy of the Hours for the morning before we begin the school day.
Any sacrifices we offer should be truly a sacrifice, something we are willing to follow through with, and not a burden upon others to help us fulfill. For instance, a family member who does not cook should not choose a mode of fasting that requires special food preparation and then expect the person who prepares meals to abide by their decision. If one decides to make a dietary change, it must be one that the entire family has agreed upon or it the person who wishes to do so must see to any special food preparation that goes with it. That includes making a list of things they will need and either doing the shopping or helping with it.
Pray together as a family in the evening. Choose a prayer devotion such as the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours or Daily Scripture readings. Be consistent. Be gentle and patient with your children during prayer time.
I have found that my best Lenten experiences have been when I have simplified my life rather than complicating it. Removing a little clutter from the home each day, and making a donation run once a week can be a wonderful way to get rid of distractions. This simplification also saves us time (because we know where to find everything we need) and allows us that quiet time I spoke of earlier. Set a specific amount of time and plan to declutter a specific area each day. Sing a praise song or hymn you like while you work (as Brother Lawrence said, "I have wonderful fellowship with God amidst the pots and pans"). Remove all forms of media that are not edifying to your spirit during Lent. You can use the extra time to read or play or pray or just talk with your children. I guarantee they will love having your undivided attention, and you will feel better at the end of the day for having done so.
This Lent my byword is going to be "Simplify". I am determined that anything I do for the Lord will be given joyfully from the heart, not a burden. Hopefully, when Easter arrives, I will be lighter and my home brighter! God Bless, have a wonderful Lenten season!
