My 40 Days of Love for Lent project was a fail, I'll admit
...but not completely.
Lent was still a wonderful season.
It ended with me and my baby being baptized together, which was a magical experience.
BUT, I was horrible about blogging.
There were a great many things that got in the way such as...
- Baby, baby and more baby
- Traveling to California
- Setting up for daycare
- Other things I can't remember
40 Days of Love for Lent
Day 1: Wednesday, March 9th
Reconnect with an old friend
send a note, give a phone call, write a facebook message…just get back in touch
Day 2: Thursday, March 10th
Hold the door open for someone
do it consciously, graciously, humbly.
Day 3: Friday, March 11th
Leave a generous tip
go out for coffee, ice-cream, lunch or dinner and make your server’s day a little brighter
Day 4: Saturday, March 12th
Bake something sweet for your neighbor
Whether you’re best friends or you’ve never met, love your neighbor in a tangible way.
Day 5: Monday, March 14th
Let someone know you’re grateful for them
…and thank God for putting them in your life
Day 6: Tuesday, March 15th
Write a letter to a family member
Let grandma know you’re thinking of her or tell a far away relative “I miss you”
Day 7: Wednesday, March 16th
Call someone you love, just to say “Hello”
Have a nice chat, it will brighten your day too.
Day 8: Thursday, March 17th
Clean out your closet to donate to charity
Simplify your life, and give to those in need.
Day 9: Friday, March 18th
Cook a meal for your loves
It doesn’t have to be gourmet as long as it’s prepared with love.
Day 10: Saturday, March 19th
Read a favorite book to a child
Maybe this means babysitting for a friend, or visiting nieces and nephews. You’ll be glad you did.
Day 11: Monday, March 21st
Pack a lunch to give to the homeless
Find someone to give it to today or save it in your car for when the opportunity arises.
Day 12: Tuesday, March 22nd
Give a gift to friend
It can be as simple as a candy bar and a carton of milk. Just let them know they’re loved.
Day 13: Wednesday, March 23rd
Write a list of 40 things you’re thankful for
It may sound like a lot, but it really isn’t. Just jot things down as they come to you throughout the day and say a prayer of gratitude when you’re done.
Day 14: Thursday, March 24th
Give to a new charity
Find a worthy cause and give what you can.
Day 15, Friday, March 25th
Pay for someone’s tab anonymously
Buy a stranger’s coffee or pick a random couple at dinner to cover. It will make their day (and probably make yours as well).
Day 16: Saturday, March 26th
Plant a flower
…or some seeds, a cactus, a whole garden! Put something in God’s earth and help it grow.
Day 17: Monday, March 28th
Be Patient and Kind
work towards this always…
Day 18: Tuesday, March 29th
Set aside ten minutes for prayerful meditation
Quiet time with God in the morning will work wonders on the rest of your day.
Day 19: Wednesday, March 30th
Write a love note
and tuck it away where it will be found.
Day 20: Thursday, March 31st
Share a smile with a stranger
and maybe a warm “hello” too
Day 21: Friday, April 1st
Leave something nice on a neighbor’s doorstep
a sweet potted plant, a basket of goodies, the possibilities are endless
Day 22: Saturday, April 2nd
Write a thank you note for your priest or pastor
show them you appreciate the selfless love they show your church community
Day 23: Monday, April 4th
Be sincere when you ask people “How are you?”
then listen, really listen.
Day 24: Tuesday, April 5th
Make a treat to share with friends
cupcakes or cookies, layered dips and chips – make your specialty
Day 25: Wednesday, April 6th
Tell five people “I love you”
I bet you’ll get that love right back.
Day 26: Thursday, April 7th
Volunteer your time
Commit yourself to give a day to help out at Saint Vincent’s or help a friend with Spring Cleaning
Day 27: Friday, April 8th
Make dinner for a busy friend
Drop it off at their house, at their work, or at school. A hot meal does wonders for the weary soul.
Day 28: Saturday, April 9th
Appreciate the weather
It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, cloudy, raining or snowing…enjoy it fully and give thanks to God.
Day 29: Monday, April 11th
Make a date with a friend
Whatever you love to do, do it together.
Day 30: Tuesday, April 12th
Frame a special photograph for someone
Think of how happy it will make them to look at it every day.
Day 31: Wednesday, April 13th
Sing a happy song while you clean
A hymn or the Gloria or a catchy tune from the radio, be a joyful steward of what God has given you
Day 32: Thursday, April 14th
Give your pets extra love
If you don’t have furry friends of your own, walk through the park and pet a playful mutt
Day 33: Friday, April 15th
Forgive, really truly forgive
“…as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Day 34: Saturday, April 16th
Pay someone a compliment
and make sure it’s sincere!
Day 35: Monday, April 18th
Send Easter cards to friends and family
Remind them you love them during this season of joy
Day 36: Tuesday, April 19th
Write down an inspirational quote on a post-it and leave it in a public place
There used to be someone who left post-its saying “you’re beautiful” in the ladies restrooms on campus and I thought it was just lovely.
Day 37: Wednesday, April 20th
Let yourself laugh with others
Recall humorous adventures with a friend, watch a funny movie together, laugh loudly and freely.
Day 38: Thursday, April 21st
Unplug and spend time with those you love
Turn off the television, computer and phone and spend uninterrupted time together.
Day 39: Friday, April 22nd
Be in awe of nature
Go for a hike, watch the sun rise or set, revel in the beauty of spring flowers and thank God.
Day 40: Saturday, April 23rd
Journal about your 40 days of Love
reflect on this Lenten season and prepare your heart for the Easter celebration.
