One Week In… Sticking with It?

We’re now one week into Lent 2010 and I’m curious how many people are sticking to their Lenten devotions.  Sometimes, I think making Lenten devotions is sort of like making a New Year’s resolution.  We’re excited about the possibility of something in our life changing and as we get closer and closer to the kick-off date, we see visions of a changed “me”.  We become enamored with the ideal lifestyle; the healthy diet, the pumped-up workout plan, the ability to say no to big and little temptations, a great prayer life, a devotion to the Holy Eucharist and so on.  Why have so many, like their New Year’s resolutions, fizzled? And after only one week in.

I heard it said one time by one of my favorite Catholic speakers, “Our lives change when our habits change.”  What a profound and yet simple statement.  We come into Lent (or New Year’s) and want things to change, but we don’t put the needed effort towards changing our habits.  We can’t just want something to change, we must work to make something change.

Whatever it was that you decided to give up for Lent, or add for Lent, or work on for Lent, keep striving to make the change you want to see.  If it’s really important to you, you’ll put in the effort.  If what you have decided to do for your Lenten devotion(s) is really worthwhile and honorable, then chances are you know that you need the change.  Keep with it, you’ll be better in the end if you do.

Man up!