How can this Lent be Different?

I begin this Lenten season as always‚ hopeful that in the midst of my selfishness and struggles that the Lord will bring me closer to him and to a place of greater peace and joy. I always struggle with what to do during the Lenten season to allow this to happen. What can I do that will open my heart to be transformed? What will make a difference and open me to God's presence? I read the above quote by Pope Francis recently and was inspired to think about Lent a little differently. Maybe this Lent we are called to get outside of ourselves and think about what is happening to others as a result of our behavior and not so much about how everything is affecting "me". I think if we would focus on others and how we can serve; the Lord will do great things in our own hearts as a result. So, this Lent I am not giving up chocolate‚ I am going to take the challenge of Pope Francis and try to serve another every day. I am seeing this beautiful liturgical season as an opportunity to grow and get outside of myself. I encourage you too to make this a meaningful Lenten experience and try to serve others in a new way. Let us pray for each other during this Lenten journey and join me in seeing just what God can do.