February 15, 2023 I need something new. I’ve been trying for months to figure out a way to snap out of it. I’m employing a new strategy in that effort. It’s a “new strategy” because it’s just beginning, and it’s a “new strategy” in the sense that I’m intentionally seeking out new things to add to my life. My family recently went on a vacation to two cities none of us had ever visited before. I felt so much joy during that trip and for a while after. I’ve recently started learning a couple new skills – baking bread and crocheting. My brain is being stimulated. I’m creating things. I’m accepting mistakes and failures as part of the process. I’m finding joy in and as a result of those new endeavors. There’s no “general malaise” when things are new. So I’ve been trying to introduce small new things – trying new recipes, dining at an unfamiliar restaurant, even just learning new crochet stitches. My “new strategy” kept emerging in my mind as I prayed and thought about what I would take on for Lent this year. I know most people talk or think about “giving up” something for Lent. Sometimes I give things up for Lent, but I try to develop a Lenten practice inspired by the Holy Spirit with the intention of drawing me closer to the Lord. Sometimes that’s giving something up, and sometimes it’s taking something on. I’ll admit it: My spiritual life has been experiencing that “general malaise.” My prayer life feels dry. Mass often feels like an obligation. It all feels blah. I think I need something new. Maybe it’ll be a new devotion. Maybe it’ll be a new way of looking at Scripture. Maybe it’ll be something that hasn’t even occurred to me yet (I’m open to suggestions). I’m hoping and I’m confident God will show me what will help me in this season, what will help draw me to Him. There’s nothing new about that. |
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