It's Time For A Change

Sometimes in your life there comes a time where, if you are really thinking about it, you realize that many things need to change. You could continue to do things the way you’re doing them, of course, but changing will lead to better relationships, both with the people you love and with God. Changing, as difficult a process as it may be, will bring you closer to being the person God really wants you to be.

I am at that point in my life.

Ever since the year began, I have seen again and again the patterns in my life that I need to change. I have realized that I’ve become a person I don’t want to be. No, I’m not a horrid, detestable person—but I am far from being the person I truly desire to be. My priorities are all out of whack; what I say are my priorities and the things I truly spend the most time and energy on are far from being the same. I’ve found that I have become somewhat lazy, preferring to spend much of my time sitting at the computer or sleeping rather than focusing on relationships and the things I actually need to do (such as keeping my house clean and organized, running errands, or exercising to keep myself healthy). I have become selfish, focusing more on myself and what I want rather than focusing on how I can give of myself to those around me.

For some time now, I’ve known that these things need to change.

Recently, I did an internet search to learn more about Lent, a season often thought of by non-Catholics as the 40 days out of the year where people have to give up something they enjoy. During my research, I learned that Lent is far more than that. Lent is a time to focus on coming to God with all your heart. It is a time to focus on realigning your priorities so that you are actually doing what is important to you instead of wasting time on things that don’t really matter. It is a time of focusing on relationships. It is a time of focusing on becoming the person you really need to be—the person God wants you to be. And it is a time of focusing on others rather than yourself, especially those who are less fortunate.

This year, Lent begins on February 21, and for the first time in my life, I will be participating. I am looking forward to those 40 days. I’m ready to start the process of becoming the person I need to be, and I’m excited to see what God wants for me during this time. Some people do choose to give up a specific thing during this time in order to focus even more on the purpose of Lent. I have a feeling that in realigning my priorities and making the necessary changes, I too will be giving up many things—or at least reducing them to a much less significant position in my life.

During Lent I will be posting here periodically to share my journey. If you are reading this, I ask that you pray for my spiritual growth during this time. These days are going to be challenging, but I feel the challenge is worth it. I am ready to focus on being the person God wants me to be.