"He who dies with the most toys wins!"  was a phrase coined by Malcolm Forbes, owner, and publisher of Forbes Magazine, and was known for his extravagant lifestyle.  But is having the most stuff what really makes us happy?

Why?  At some point, we all realize we have too much stuff and need to purge.  You may have seen different websites that urge us to Purge with a Purpose or get rid of 40 bags in 40 Days. Lent is that time of year when we are called to a simpler life, getting rid of distractions so we may enter more fully into our relationship with the Lord.  
 
What to expect?  Instead of allowing material things to dominate our life, let's allow the Lord to be the center of our attention.  Matthew 16:26 reminds us "...what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

If an attachment to material goods is something you struggle with, consider abstaining from buying anything new this Lent (except those items that are actually necessary).  As we have already learned from Matthew Kelly, "Authentic Christian fasting helps to release us from our attachments to the things of this world."  Let's break our attachment to stuff and cling to the Lord. 

If you already live a simple lifestyle and do not have the need to purge, consider delaying a vacation until after Easter, allowing yourself to fully engage in the rich spirituality and simplicity of the season.