Something New for Lent

The speaker was a therapist who works with at risk children. He shared that he often helps them reshape their perspectives. It works well, so he started practicing this technique for his daily living. It sounds so simple, but again simple is not the same as easy. And using this technique as a spiritual discipline will require me to rely on the Holy Spirit.

Here is the shift in thinking and behaving. Exchange the mindset of “I have to” to “I get to.” I do not have to make the bed – I get to make the bed. I get to have a comfortable place to sleep. I get to have clean sheets and two pillows. I get to be a good husband. At work, I do not have to type up the committee minutes – I get to. I get to be a better listener. I get to serve in a tangible way. I get to be a good team player. I do not have to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment – I get to. I get to place someone’s needs above my wants. I get to appreciate my health, my car, my flexible schedule, and the healthcare system.

The “I have to – I get to” mindset shift is really a shift from self-centeredness to gratitude, which leads to humility. With Lent beginning today, I do not have to increase my prayer life, I get to spend more time with Jesus. I do not have to fast; I get to focus on what is truly important to me. I do not have to give more; I get to imitate God’s generosity.

From a biblical perspective, the “I have to” mindset is adherence to the law. Shifting my mindset to “I get to” is the beatitudes.