Livin' On a Prayer

So we're halfway there. It's Day 23 of Lent (which technically is, contrary to conventional wisdom, 46 days long).

Halfway to Easter, I feel a personal sense of accomplishment that I've remained steadfast in one of my Lenten disciplines—this blog—and I'm encouraged that this particular discipline is one that really has helped me to feel more whole, closer to God, and more "on the road" than I have felt in years. Daily reflection on scripture and its relevance to my life and community has enriched each day. As a relatively new wife and mother, I'm realizing how much I want to make sure that these practices, along with attendance at Mass and, overall, an authentic identification of myself as a Christian, to be part of my life and part of my family's life.

Growing up in a big family, there was often a sense of chaos. There were five of us kids, all going at different paces in different directions, plus two parents who worked hard and often AND remained active volunteers in various school, community and church activities. At times life felt a little crazy. In the past, I've drawn a blank when asked some of my favorite family traditions; I'm not sure we ever did anything the same way twice!

However, in starting my own family, I've come to realize that there were some key traditions we could depend on. Every week throughout my childhood, my parents got five kids to Mass on Sunday. Almost every night, the seven of us sat down for dinner together, first joining hands for Grace to thank God for our food and good fortune and to pray for special intentions. Holidays like Christmas and Easter were celebrations of our faith first. (I have vivid memories not just of Mass on Easter Sunday, but also feet-washing on Holy Thursday, Stations of the Cross, and veneration of the cross on Good Friday.) 

My parents may not have had a lot of time or money, but they made sure to instill in us the tools and values that I still feel make me who I am. This Lent, I am very grateful for the spiritual homecoming that the past 23 days have been.