This Lent, Be Vulnerable

The other day at the gym, I was pushing myself hard. It was a kickboxing class that day (my favorite), and I challenged myself to really jump during my kicks. I was happy with my ability to do what I thought was challenging until I returned to the beginning of the line.

That’s when another woman approached me and gently told me that the combination we had just done caused her to twist her ankle back when I first joined the gym. She wanted to warn me to just be careful, and I was instantly humbled.  

Here I was, letting pride get the best of me instead of thinking about the consequence of injury from getting too comfortable in my jumps. The embarrassing part is that it has happened to me before; I fell one day during a jump and rolled my ankle. I was lucky enough that I didn’t injure it and could get back up and continue with the class. But I should have let that instance be a reminder to slow down.  

This incident made me think of other areas in my life where my pride might be getting in the way. It made me think of my relationship with God.  

We Are Called to be Humble 

I am a people pleaser. My anxiety does not tolerate the idea of upsetting anyone or putting myself in a situation where I would be made to feel uncomfortable. If my anxiety gets bad, I start to pull away and build up a wall to keep myself safe, keep myself comfortable, and my pride intact.  

Unfortunately, it doesn’t usually solve my problem and just ends up isolating me from fun experiences and stronger relationships with friends and loved ones ... including God.  

For instance, if I am upset about something in my life, instead of talking to God about it and saying I am angry and sad, I tend to not talk. My prayer life diminishes. And I get irritable. I have also noticed that the longer I stay away from confession, the more irritable I become. I know I need forgiveness as well as to restore my relationship with God, but my pride keeps me from acting on what I know is right. I get there eventually, but I would be a lot better off if I practiced humility and went to God immediately.  

I have a bad habit of wanting to be comfortable, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We all want to feel comfortable in our lives. But as Catholics, we must also remember that sometimes we are called to be uncomfortable, vulnerable, and humble. 

Be Vulnerable This Lent 

Lent is a time when we are especially called to make sacrifices and step out of our comfort zones. We can practice this by fasting (if able), giving something up for all 40 days, making monetary donations, or volunteering our time. We are also called to go to Confession. 

I am going to be honest and say that for the past few years, I have struggled with being uncomfortable during Lent. I have made excuses for why I shouldn’t be making sacrifices. While I truly believe that God wants us to meet Him where we are, even if that means just doing the bare minimum, I also believe that I have gotten too comfortable doing the bare minimum year after year.  

Just as the kind woman at my gym gently called me out on my risky jumps, I feel God is calling me out on my lack of vulnerability with Him. He is calling me to come closer to Him this Lent.  

Where is He calling you? Is He calling you to slow down? Make a bigger sacrifice? Or simply meet Him where you are this year?  

Here is your gentle reminder that it is okay if your Lenten journey looks different than those around you. We are all fighting different battles at different times. If you invite God to be with you during them, you’ll have a fruitful Lent this year.