I didn't really understand the true reason why. In elementary school, I knew it was something we did for church. Middle school, I still knew it was for church, but it was also a challenge. By high school I had grasped the concept that it was supposed to be a sacrifice. That's about it. Church and sacrifice.
Now that I'm an adult and have wrapped my brain (and heart) more around my faith, I understand it better. It's not just 40 days of giving up stuff.
It's an opportunity.
An opportunity to improve your life. To become more like Christ. To better yourself in any way.
Here are the opportunities I am seizing these 40 days:
The opportunity to grow in my calling as a wife and mother.
I am giving up social media from the hours of 4:00 to 8:00 in the evenings. (Except for Mondays when I participate in two Twitter Chats on education.) I know, there are people who give up Facebook/social media the entire time. That's not what I'm going for. The purpose of this isn't to stop using social media. It's more me to stop using it in the precious few hours that I have awake with my kids. For me to use those four hours in the evening to be a mom, be productive, and timely with my tasks. Doing dishes and cleaning up after dinner would be a lot faster if I wouldn't stop to scroll through Facebook, or get stuck watching Tasty cooking videos.
The opportunity for me to grow in my faith.
I am going to read a book. I usually only really read books during the summer. This one is different. My mom gave this book to me. The Kansas City Diocese gave out these books free to all the parishes to distribute to their congregations. My mom picked one up for me and said it was a good read. 
The opportunity for me to be a servant to others.
I started a Random Act of Kindness journey this year. I would like to finish it. Little surprises that bring joy to others.
The opportunity for me to pass on the traditions of Lent to my children:
TV is off. At least until after dinner. Since colder weather has been upon us, it has become almost routine for me to ask the girls "what movie do you want to watch when we get home," as we drive the seven miles home from daycare. They pick a movie, and then another, and another until bed. It has been helpful to me and entertaining to them. But, I am promoting bad habits. TV on while we eat instead of focusing on conversation and good table manners. Girls sitting in front of the TV while I work around the house, instead of involving them. This will be their first official "Lenten penance." A chance for them not only to see what we do, but participate as well.I pray for a successful and meaningful Lent. I pray that I am a better wife and mother, mindful of how joy spreads in the smallest ways, and more faithful.
Blessings to all this Lenten Season!
