I went to confession yesterday, since I’ll be out of state next weekend. I’m flying to Austin for a information and training conference that begins on Sunday. (Yes, Sunday! The New Sabbath. What a bunch of heathen educators!)
Anyway, I got a really interesting penance. No, it doesn’t involving DOING the Stations of the Cross (from one of my family’s favorite Dave Allen skits). Instead, I’m supposed to say “No” once a week during Lent.
The good father (and he is good) determined that my Sinning Streak(tm) is related to my reluctance to say “no” to any extra work, any project, any person, etc. He really hit it out of the park when he said, “You’re forgetting how to relax and spend time with the Lord.”
So my penance is this: At least once a week during Lent, I must say “no” to a request and spend that time instead with the Lord.
“Do you think you can do that?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said. (The irony of my response was lost on me until just now. D’oh!)
Perhaps I said it too enthusiastically, because he added, “I must be losing my touch if that penance seems easy.”
“Well, it’s easier than putting rocks in my shoes,” I said, vaguely remembering a saint who imposed that penance on himself.
“Maybe next year I’ll add that,” he said. (Hope he was kidding… yipes.)
I have the perfect opportunity this coming week, when our school has scheduled an informational meeting for parents on Wednesday evening. (Yes, Ash Wednesday. I’m seeing a pattern here.) No doubt my principal will ask me to come, since both the parent meeting and the conference are related to a new academic program.
