Day 2: Lent is destroying my house

My house is destroyed.  

Lent. 

Every year we give up video games. This year we added 2-3 hours of completely screen free time in the evening from 4-6ish. No show for Zander when he's tired. No news or email. No homework. It has to be done (which is why there is a little wiggle room).

There is a moment of blank stare. Ummm... what can we do.... and then explosion. Creativity. Games. Reading as a family with special snacks and blankets. Guys, it's been two days and I feel like we're at least two weeks in already. 

My house is destroyed. I keep cleaning and they keep... whatever it is they keep doing. My broom was in three pieces in three different rooms. 

I'm tired and wondering what do i even say about this beyond the obvious stump speech about screens and modern life. There's more. More to this season than just "doing better."

I think what's magical about Lent is peeling away layers of distraction to see each of my kids more deeply for who they are and who they are becoming. Wrestling with boredom pushes them to reach further and find the image bearing self. Creativity. Relationship. Nature. Curiosity. Storytelling. 

A few moments ago, i sat down to write this post with a heart of lament for so many things in the world. I had in mind to write a post on lament because my heart has been so heavy today. But i watch these little light bearers and steadily clean up the destruction behind them, my heart lightens and the corners of my mouth turn up into a small smile.  

The Holy Spirit is here at work. Teaching me what's next for these boys. I just have to keep watching. And maybe watching them will inspire me for things i can do beyond our walls to help the world that my heart laments for.  

The Kingdom of Heaven is a mustard seed. Small and hidden and unimportant. And yet it grows with love and nurturing into something large and mighty.  

Perhaps 2 hrs of internet free time will grow into something beautiful.