Hey there,
Have you ever noticed that UPS trucks almost never make left-hand turns? Their routes are specifically planned to make right-hand turns … even if it means the route is longer.
They do this because left-hand turns go against traffic. They add time while you wait for your turn to go. And more accidents happen with left-hand turns.
So, 90% of the turns on the UPS route are to the right.
The result? In the first year of this change, UPS saved 28.5 million miles driven, 3 million gallons of fuel, and 1,100 trucks. Just the reduction of fuel alone saved the company $9 million in one year!
By repeating this small change with every delivery, big change was achieved.
I share this story because Lent is officially here. And by now you’ve probably figured out what you’re “doing” for Lent.
Like giving up sweets … alcohol … or caffeine.
Praying the Rosary weekly … or even daily.
Or other grand gestures around prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
While it’s great to focus on grand gestures, as UPS shows us, little changes can have a major impact too.
So, I’d like to suggest that this Lent you join me in working in some “little things” that show the Lord your love and deepen your relationship with Him even more.
Genuflect’s Ash Wednesday edition presents little things you can do to complement your grand gestures. Most of these you’ve probably heard of before, but they’ve fallen out of practice of late.
So take a look and add some little things to make your Lenten journey even greater.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!
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The Power of Tiny Gestures
Daniel Esparza explains that Lent is not a destination but a journey. And there’s no need to get overwhelmed by large gestures. Start small. Here’s how.
The Ripple Effect: Tiny Gestures Transform Your Lent | Aleteia
Simply Being
We plan what we’re doing for Lent. But sometimes we try to make sure we’re praying enough and sacrificing enough and over plan to do too much. The most obvious solution to the problem may just be the easiest. Tami Kiser brilliantly explains that rather than doing, Lent can be more rewarding by simply being.
Simply Lent | Catholic Mom
Honoring Jesus’ Name
In the 13th Century Pope Gregory X wanted to honor the Holy name of Jesus. The simple gesture he came up with has lost popularity in recent years. But it’s a little thing we can do at Mass during Lent … and after.
Why Catholics Bow Their Heads at The Name of Jesus | Aleteia
Honoring Jesus’ Body
Following the Second Vatican Council, receiving Holy Communion in the hand became acceptable and widely adopted. But there’s nothing that says you can’t receive the Sacred Host on the tongue. Just make sure you know the proper way to do it.
How to Receive Holy Communion on The Tongue | Integrated Catholic Life
Sunday Best
I used to only dress up for the major feasts … Christmas and Easter. Every other Sunday was casual attire. But getting all dressed up is an easy way to show our reverence for the Lord. It’s a new “little thing” I started a few Lents ago … and I’m still doing it today. Here are some reasons to give it a try.
The Importance of Dressing Well For Sunday Mass | Catholic Stand
Veiling
Wearing a chapel veil at Mass is not a requirement for ladies. Just like praying the Rosary is not a requirement. But saying a Rosary is a special prayer we do to show our love for God. Likewise, wearing a veil is an outward sign we can add. Here’s a great set of FAQs on the subject … from a great place to buy one (this is not an affiliate link).
Frequently Asked Questions – Chapel Veils | Veils by Lily
Daily Mass
Lent is a great time to consider attending Mass more than once a week. Most churches offer Mass daily so you can easily fit it into your schedule. Louise Merrie explains the many benefits of daily Mass.
The Everyday Grace of Weekday Mass | Catholic Exchange
Spend Time With Him
One way to deepen your relationship with the Lord during Lent is to visit Him in Adoration. If you’re new to this devotion and wonder what it’s like, what you do, and what you’ll get out of it, check out this article by Shawn Rain Chapman. And download this prayer to place yourself in the presence of the Lord to have on your phone when the time comes.
My Best Hour: Making The Most of Adoration This Lent | ATX Catholic
Ask For Forgiveness
Lent is a time for penance so most churches will offer more opportunities to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent. If it’s been a while, don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know before, during, and after for a great Confession.
Lent And The Sacrament of Reconciliation | Franciscan Media
25 Lenten Ideas
If you get overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do to deepen your spiritual life during Lent, check out this article from Renee LaReau. She provides 25 ideas you can work into your 40 days … many of them are little and easy to do.
25 Great Things You Can do For Lent | Busted Halo
Lenten Inspiration
Hallow provides some Lenten inspiration, broken down by prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
What to Give up For Lent | Hallow
Family Lenten Traditions
If you’d like some Lenten activities that are family focused, Lucy with Catholic Icing has you covered. Check out these 40 ideas to get everyone in the house involved.
40 Simple Lenten Traditions For Families {With Little to no Prep Work} | Catholic Icing
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