Preparing for Easter as a busy Mom: Tips for Meditation, Prayer, and Renewal

As Easter approaches, many people feel the desire to prepare themselves spiritually for this important holiday. The period leading up to Easter is called Lent, which is a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. If you are a working mom with a 3-year-old daughter, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to focus on your spiritual life, but with a little planning, it is possible to make room for meditation, prayer, and self-reflection in your busy schedule. And remember, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do all of it. Just pick a few tips that work for your lifestyle!

1. Set realistic goals: As a busy mom, it may be difficult to set aside hours for meditation or prayer each day. Instead, start with small, achievable goals that fit into your daily routine. For example, you might commit to spending 10 minutes each morning in quiet reflection or take a few moments during your lunch break to read a devotional or listen to a podcast.　
2. Don’t give up chocolate: One common tradition during Lent is to give up something you enjoy, such as chocolate or coffee. But let’s be honest, as a busy mom, you probably need that chocolate and coffee to get through the day. So instead of giving it up completely, try limiting your intake. That way, you can still indulge without feeling guilty. This year, I am fasting the news, fashion shopping, and a few apps on my phone.
   
3. Use your commute wisely: If you have a long commute to work, use that time to connect with your spirituality. You could listen to an inspirational podcast or playlist, or even try meditating (just be sure to keep your eyes open if you’re driving!).　
4. Get your kids involved: Make your spiritual practices a family affair by involving your daughter in age-appropriate ways. For example, you might read Bible stories together or encourage her to say a simple prayer before meals. This will not only help you strengthen your own spiritual practices but will also set a positive example for your child.
5. Embrace imperfection: As a mom, you know that perfection is impossible, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect spiritual practice. If you miss a day of prayer or meditation, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. 
6. Seek support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support and guidance during this time. Sharing with your connect group or going out for lunch or coffee after Sunday service can help you connect with others who are also seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. I was recently watching the Docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. (Spoiler alert!) There’s an episode where the manager (Phil) chats with one of the team members (David) as he goes through the tragedy of losing their baby. What stuck out to me is when Phil says “Even if it’s a short chat on the practice field, it’s important to keep having conversations to care for the boys because there is much more to life than football, even when you are a footballer.” 
7. Be grateful: As you prepare for Easter and Lent, take time to reflect on the things you are grateful for in your life. Maybe it’s your supportive spouse, your healthy children, or even just a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can help you stay centered and positive, even when life gets hectic. 

So, these were just some thoughts. You can make room for meditation, prayer, and self-reflection in your busy life as a working mom. Remember, it’s not about being perfect or achieving some kind of spiritual ideal, but rather about making small, consistent steps towards growth and renewal. Happy Lenting!!