A first (a sharing by Isabel Francis)

Though I've always practiced some form of abstinence/fasting during Lent over the last few years, it has never been a real life changing journey for me till now.

When Lent began, my life took a drastic turn that shook my very existence. It was a struggle to not allow myself to permanently wallow in self-pity and completely let Lent pass by as I spend my days endlessly moping. Though I've had my fair share of daily trials, the devil's temptations this time were scarily easy to fall for.

While I wandered in the desert of pain and hurts, Christ revealed to me in so many ways that I was never alone. When I was shaking with fear, He was cradling me. When I felt like shattered glass, he was piecing me back together with mercy. When I'd thought I'd lost myself, He'd already found me. Coincidentally as ever, I'm on my semester break now so my opportunities to talk to God were endless!

Daily reflections (I use the Magnificat Lenten Companion 2011 — it is truly insightful!), daily decades of the rosary, abstinence from my favorite foods, weekly novenas, lots of talk time with God and 'dates' with Jesus opened my eyes to not only my weaknesses, but also to how much God has blessed me with the capability to love even beyond my own expectations.

The hurts and pain I feel will never compare to all the times that I've been ignorant towards Him. What I feel is a million times less than an ant bite of what He probably has received from me. Realising this has stirred in having a greater desire to love Him first and foremost more faithfully even though I'm not perfect and to be better for the people he's blessed me for it is indeed amazing to share His love.

Prior to the Lent, I've never had regular 'dates' with Jesus. I've grown to love these 'dates', never realizing that I could enjoy spending hours in solitude with Him and feel so comfortable.

It's been a life changing and encouraging journey these last two weeks and I most definitely look forward to rest of Lent, I hope that I won't just stay renewed myself but also take the step to help someone else be renewed.