SPRING CLEANING FOR THE SOUL
Can you feel it? Even though it’s still a bit chilly, March is finally here, and spring is definitely in the air. I’ve noticed the first crocuses poking through the mud, daffodils popping up, their trumpet heads defiantly announcing the hope of brighter things to come, and the days are getting longer and lighter. There is something very special about this time of year—a feeling that no matter how dark or cold – or wet - the winter was, new life is just around the corner.
It’s the perfect backdrop for Lent which began quite early this year, on Wednesday 18thFebruary.
Traditionally, we look at Lent as a time to give things up. For me, it’s usually chocolate or that evening glass of wine – or two! But honestly, how often do we end up just waiting for Easter Sunday so we can indulge again? And even worse, sometimes I find myself feeling a bit... smug about it. “Look at me, I haven’t had a drink in three weeks!”
But if we are doing Lent just to prove we have great willpower, we’re kind of missing the point, aren't we? It’s meant to be about humility, self-reflection, and a chance to make changes that will draw us closer to God, not simply boosting our own egos.
If we really want to shake things up this year, maybe we should aim for a harder fast. Something that actually changes how we live, rather than just what we eat.
Imagine how radical it would be if, instead of giving up treats, we tried to give up negative thinking, about ourselves as well as others, and focussed on seeing the good in people and the world instead of the bad?
Now that is tough. It is so much harder to stop ourselves from passing on a snarky comment about someone else, or to silence that voice in our own heads that tells us we aren't good enough. Yet, changing those habits would make a much bigger difference to our lives—and to the people around us—than skipping a dessert or glass of wine.
Fresh beginnings
So, as we watch nature wake up this March, perhaps we could take the opportunity to make our own fresh start. To use this Lent to be more careful with the words we use and speak more kindly, to others and ourselves, to be thankful for what we have before we complain about what we don’t have, and to actively seek out the good in others as opposed to the negative. Then maybe we can head into spring not just feeling proud of our self-discipline, but genuinely lighter, happier, and full of hope.
With love
Ginni
