Every year the Church asks 1.2 billion faithful Catholics to pray, fast, and give alms more for 40 days (plus a few for the Triduum and such) to prepare for 50 days of celebrating Jesus’ resurrection.  

If you asked those 1.2 billion people which is longer, Lent or Easter, how many would realize it’s Easter?  

“I wished we lived in a world where everything was as simple as it is for my six-year-old son.”  This was the thought that swam around my head over and over today as I watched his joyful face and stamina as he competed in his FIRST Track Meet.  This was not just any track meet, but instead it was a track meet full of children who have different “special” needs.  He did every, single event from throwing the discus, to running an obstacle course, and then his favorite…the long jump.  He did it all with a smile on his face, never complaining if he did not get it the first time and cheered for himself no matter how “good” or “not good” he did, according to the world’s standards.  Those standards did not matter to him…he did it with joy, and he did it for the glory of God. 

Seriously, if you have a family and/or are employed, you need St. Joseph!

 Two months ago, I would likely have taken one look at an article with this title and kept on scrolling.  It’s not that I was anti-St. Joseph or anything.  It’s just that I’ve never experienced “needing” anyone outside of my family to take care of my family.  These kinds of articles tend to talk about people who lived long ago, did important stuff, and are now saints we should build a devotion to.

We have entered the “joyful” week of lent!  The fourth Sunday, which in our house is affectionately called, “PINK Sunday!”  Of course, we know that it is Laetare Sunday, but I have a lot of priest friends and I am married to a deacon, and they loudly proclaim that they are wearing rose, NOT pink.  (Of course, I disagree and chalk it up to them being color blind 😊)

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving God who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” - St Francis de Sales

I like this quote because it addresses two big spiritual temptations that I always struggle with. 

I asked my family what I should write my next blog article on and my eight-year-old piped up and exclaimed, “ME!!!”  I laughed loudly, but then I got to thinking about it…he was right, it had been a long time since I had written a “homeschool blues,” update.  Though most of my homeschool updates have much to do with him, right now is the time that most families, God-willing, begin to discern what their next year may look like.  What is discernment?  

Intentionality!!!  What is intentionality?  According to good ole Webster, intentionality means to be deliberate or purposeful.  Thus, my challenge to you this Lenten season…Be intentional!