So...How's Lent Going for You?

Yes..I confess..this is totally me admitting truth to you. I had the best intentions at the start of Lent, but <insert best excuse here>...and there you have it. Hmm...is this a confession worthy sin? 

In full disclosure, hubby and I both agree we didn't truly prepare ourselves the way we should have for Lent this year. Last year, in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, we spent time together talking about what we would do for Lent and how we would make room in our lives for prayer. This year, our conversation went something like this:

Me (already in bed): "So, it's Ash Wednesday. What are we doing for Lent this year?"
Him: "I don't know...can we talk about this in the morning?"
Me: "But it's already Lent and we don't know what we're doing."
Him: "I know what I'm doing. I'm going to bed."
Me: "I'm serious...we need to figure something out."
Him: "Ok. Tell me what you want to do and we'll do it."
Me: "Well, we could do our readings together, or do prayers before all meals instead of just dinner, or do a weekly mass once a week as well as the weekend...what do you think?"
Him: "..."
Me: "Hon? Are you asleep? Seriously?"
Him: "...zzz..."

...and there you have it. So, Thursday morning, I swear off all alcohol and chocolate as I'm making myself my morning cappuccino. I'm feeling good about this sacrifice as I shake the chocolate powder on top of my perfectly frothed milk...and already the game of "what kinds of chocolate *really* count" has begun. I immediately exclude the chocolate powder as "not counting". I also make a mental note that, since we have family in town and are going to the wineries this weekend, that this one-time indiscretion is ok, too. (In case you're wondering, my justification here was that we were going on a Sunday and, since the 40 days of Lent doesn't count Sundays, I was ok. I can justify anything.) 

So this is me, admitting  to you, that this was not a good Lenten season for me. However, I have found that there are other ways - and things - that I have done, and am continuing to do, that have absolutely helped make me feel closer through actions and prayers. I've learned a ton about the Stations in preparing both the magnets and trivia cards. I've enjoyed so many of the activities we've been doing to celebrate together as a family. I have been reading - when I can - both the Bible and devotional books, and absolutely enjoy that quiet time and peace it brings me. Lent isn't a diet plan...and I should have really not made it about that in the first place. Seriously, I knew better. 

With my soul bared and self-defeat admitted, I wonder - how's Lent going for you?