Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Growing up Lent wasn't such a big deal, we knew it exsisted, but at that time in the world, Lent was just a time, Maundy Thursday wasn't observed, but we had been taught what they were all about. Now we begin with Fat Tuesday, eat pancakes and bacon and then are called upon to remember our mortality and sin, as well as the assurance that God forgives us and we are saved. That's a far piece from just knowing what these word mean to actually thinking about what they mean and imply within our lives.
As we begin Lent, we think of fasting, we think of sacrifice and what we can give up. What kind of things do we give up? This year I am closing down my Facebook page for Lent, to see what different things I can do with the time. I already have some ideas. I can spend it with my husband and children, I can spend it doing church work, or I can spend it in prayer. I will probably try all three of those areas, and I might add sleep to the list. I will try not to eat more, maybe exercise more but definitely not eat more. Maybe I can wait and see what God has planned for that extra time, it might include some of what I have thought of (I always want to think that God and I are on the same wavelength) or God could show me something entirely different. God can only do that if I allow Him into my life. That is what faith is all about, allowing God into our lives so God can show us new things, offer us new ideas, walk us to new places.
So friends, I will probably check my facebook page before I go to bed tonight and then I will hear from you all again after March 30, I know I won't have time or energy to open it on Easter! If you need to find me and don't know it, my email is either mokhaney@mgwnet.com or monseniorita@gmail.com. I will be checking it.
Shalom!
Olivia
