Positive Penances

I recently read an interesting article entitled 19 things to give up for Lent that aren't chocolate.  It had some great ideas for focusing on negative ideas and attitudes you can 'give up' during the season of Lent (and even hopefully beyond).  I'm making these the cornerstone of the season this year.

Fear: God is on my side. In Him I am more than a conqueror.

The need to please everyone: I can’t please everyone anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please.

Envy: I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Impatience: God’s timing is the perfect timing.

Sense of entitlement: The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.

Bitterness and Resentment: The only person I am hurting by holding onto these is myself.

Blame: I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.

Gossip and Negativity: I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic and bring other people down.

Comparison: I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me.

Fear of failure: You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fall forward.

A spirit of poverty: Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack.

Feelings of unworthiness: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator.

Doubt: Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine. The future is brighter than you could ever realize.

Self-pity: God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Retirement: As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. That does not come to an end until the day we die.

Excuses: A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.

Lack of counsel: Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.

Pride: Blessed are the humble.

Worry: God is in control and worrying will not help.

Five years ago today: Let There Be Light