St Valentine's Day, Lent, and Love.

Lent began yesterday. Many people associate Lent with giving something up. I used to as well, until some lovely Catholic women informed me that it can also be used as a time to add to our prayer life, or do something else positive. This was a great revelation for me. If you're one of those people who feels closer to God when you give something up, then that's great, and I'm delighted for you. Sadly, I'm not one of those people. I'm the type, who, once they decide something is totally off-limits (chocolate, coffee, frivolous paperbacks...) becomes obsessed with said thing to the point of crazy.

Anyhooo... in the past, I've been full of good intentions to DO something, but I've lacked focus, and conviction, and it's fallen by the way-side. This year, I'm going to listen to the Litany of Saints, and make time for prayer. Also,  maybe I've been influenced on some level by the fact that St Valentine's Day is at the start of Lent, but I feel called to be more loving, especially to my husband.

I have to admit, that while I KNOW I'm my husband's wife first, and my children's mother second, I don't always live that out. My husband comes home too often to me schlepping about in paint marked sweats, or to me hopping from foot to foot to get out of the house and go to the supermarket without the kids. He comes home to my end of the day tiredness and impatience, and really, that's not fair. Sometimes, yes, because everyone has days when things get on top of them, but there has to be a balance.

So, my aim is to be more conscious in my behaviour and appearance to my husband. Not false or contrived, but presenting myself as a woman who takes pride in herself, and in him, and in Us. I'll also take more advantage of opportunities for intimacy. I won't take it for granted that he knows I love him, I'll tell him, and I'll show him.

I will live out a life of love.