I watched as many students in class raised their hand in response to the teacher asking how many are going somewhere warm for break. I admit- though I quickly pondered the thought of sunny beaches, I really wasn't all that jealous. I relish the thought of making progress on a few house projects.
One of my Lenten callings during spring break was to get to daily Mass during the week. The challenge being that my two youngest weren't feeling that same calling and Mass began before they catch the bus. In order for me to be able attend they'd have to go with me.
For the record, I am not one who's above bribing and this presented the perfect opportunity to try out the term "positive reinforcement" that has been a hot topic in my Psych 101 course. Also for the record- donuts work like a charm.
On the drive to our first morning Mass of the week, my young daughter and son were very receptive to talking about the whole concept of Lenten sacrifice. We discussed how getting up a little earlier to be on time for Mass was a great thing to offer up. It was at this point in the conversation as they were tossing ideas of offering up treats and privileges that my daughter said, "Well, I've already given up talking back to you, Mom." To which I responded to my feisty first grader, "That's a very good thing for you to give up, Evie." She was not done with the discussion until she blurted out, "I'm giving up being perfect!," in the most sincere tone. I couldn't help but let out a laugh and tell her that is actually a very good idea.
Evie made it through half the Mass before the wiggles began to get the best of her. Barely able to contain herself she asked in a not-so-subtle hoarse whisper, "Is it time to go yet,?" "No," I quietly returned with an added, "Shhhh," to keep her tone down because we were sitting directly behind three elderly, female, church-going regulars. "But we're going to be late for school!" she whined. I vehemently shook my head back and forth and pantomimed my finger to my lips hoping to silence her. This did not get the desired effect as she insisted, "Time to go!" I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Hey, you gave this up for lent," to remind her of her intent to not talk back to me. She was quick to reply in her not even close to quiet whisper, "No I didn't- I gave up being perfect." I didn't count but I'm fairly certain all three sets of shoulders and sets of coiffed hair in front of us trembled slightly in an effort to either keep from sighing or hold in their laughter. I chose to believe the latter.
Over this past week I've also come to believe my daughter's proclamation to forgo perfection as sage advice to me. For sure, this past week's Masses have been a real call for me to let go of any notion of being perfect and just hang on to the fact that we made it to church at all...let alone mostly on time after helping the older four with earlier school schedules catch their bus on time. The three elderly ladies who were privy to this "whispered" conversation...normally would have been cause for perspiration to bead on my scrunched brow out of a need to keep my children behaved. This week I let go of exceedingly high expectations and worry of others judgment and was grateful that we had this opportunity to be...simply that...just be in the presence of a God who understands because He made us and even said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Mathew 19:14).
I didn't get many house projects done this week- but that's ok, perfection is overrated anyway. What a great Spring Break reminder.
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