Lent

Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent.  For the last number of years, Amanda and I have attempted to observe Lent.  We don't see it as a religious obligation but as something we choose to do in order to grow spiritually.  Lately, I have tried to be a bit more creative than just giving up a type of food.  I thought about giving up fasting for Lent, but that is not quite right.  Last year I gave up complaining.  This year, I have decided to give up yelling at the kids.  Yelling at the kids?  Surely, I would do such a thing!  I confess that when the kids attack each other, break something valuable and deliberately refuse to listen, my voice can be raised.  So that is my decision: no yelling.  The problem with this is that it was not right for me to splurge this morning before work by having a good yell.  Nor can I look forward to the end of Lent to start yelling again.  Hopefully, this will have a positive impact on me and improve my role as a parent even beyond Lent.