Lenten project for non-Christians?

I don’t usually observe Lent too much. I’m not Christian in the way most people think of one and I think of how some folks “give up Chocolate” or some such thing as a trivializing of a potentially spiritually important season.

But this month I have been struggling with the success of a co-worker. This person has many fewer years in the industry than I do; brags about lack of know-how; poor grammar, inability to proof-read and has major holes in professional knowledge. Yet, he (yes, a relatively young man) has been promoted.

I have worked in this industry for 30 years, starting with typing basic forms in quadruplet. I have a B.S. in Business Management and an advanced degree. I have worked on the client and the consulting side of the business. I do pro bono consulting in the industry for nonprofits. I handle a book of business with almost no oversight from our manager.

I’ve been with my employer for 15 years; he has been here less than 5. I recommended him for “Early Career Advancement “ training program. And now this young man has a corner office and I’m still in a cubicle with no hope of a promotion. He’s now probably going to be earning 25% more in salary than I.

The green monster of envy has taken a huge bite out of my goodwill this month. So for Lent this year, I’m re-starting my 90-day challenge and giving up envy.

What you ask is a “90-day challenge?” For 90 consecutive days, I may not criticize this person. In any way. No constructive criticism, no gossip, no digs, no disses. 90 (nine-zero, count them) consecutive days. What if I slip up? Start over at day one. (It once took me over a year to complete a 90-day challenge on a particularly challenging person.)

Will this make me a better person? Probably not. Will it change my co-worker’s life? Nope. Will it change my life? Yes!

By the time I go a full calendar-quarter saying only positive things (or keeping my mouth shut) about my co-worker, I know that I will have greater compassion for him. My blood pressure will not go up when I think of him and his success. I will be able to truly smile and be happy for his promotion. I will probably even like my job more and do it better as my attitude improves.

So my Lenten season will be a little longer than 40 days. I think Jesus would approve of my non-traditional plan for this year. My challenge to you is to make your own 90-day challenge on the person you most complain about. See how your life can change, starting with just one step, one day at a time.