Lent...

I think we all know about Lent being the season of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus.  So, we won't get into all of that.  But today at mass, our Deacon referred to the season of Lent as "a cycle...but not a circle."  He said something to the effect of:  although it comes around each year, I would hope that we are not in the same place in our relationship with God that we were the previous year.  Hopefully, we are just a little further along...a little closer.  In that regard, I like to think of the cyclical nature of Lent as a spiral that keeps coming around, but also keeps moving us along on our faith journey.  I would also like to share a link to a Blog that I occasionally read.  I think this post is beautifully written.  (click here)

All that being said, I have a confession to make.  This is usually SO not like me (not the confession part, but what I'm confessing to).  Are you ready?  You're not going to believe this.....I can't.  I.  Missed.  Ash Wednesday.  I know, I know.  I felt (and still feel) horrible about it.  This is in no way a justification, but it is the only explanation that I have.  And it's a terrible one:  I was just so selfishly wrapped up in myself and my complaining about work and the week that would never end.  I didn't realize what day it was (aside from being the Wednesday of one of the longest weeks ever), until it was almost over.  I was very humbled and ashamed by that realization.

That led to a lot of reflection and contemplation about what I was going to do for Lent.  I won't tell you what I'm doing, because (just like advertising your tithing) it kind of negates some of the goodness behind it.  But I will share a link to a website I found that gives scripture verses to go along with an alternate view of "what to give up for Lent".  (click here)  On that same note, here are some things that were in our church bulletin this morning:

• Give up 10-15 minutes of sleep ~ Instead, use that time for prayer
• Give up buying nonessentials for yourself ~ Instead, give that money to someone in need
• Give up looking at other people's worst points ~ Instead, focus on their best ones

We also had a conversation with Hannah and Mason about Lent and why we give up things as a form a sacrifice.  They each decided on something to give up.  And they also decided that it would be good if they tried to do one kind thing for each other every day.  Not a bad idea.  (We'll see how well it works.)

And now, I will just leave you with this...The Prayer of St. Francis.  (click here)