It's LENT, and I'm already in trouble!

Today is Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar. That marks the first day of Lent, when many of the faithful ones make personal sacrifices for the 40 days leading up to Easter.

Some go without chocolate. Others forgo cakes, candies, colas, or other sorts of treats. Many turn away from other indulgences.

I am already in trouble, and it’s not even noon on the first day of Lent.

Public domain artwork.

 

Maybe confession really is good for the soul.

I woke up with a killer migraine this morning, but that may not be a great excuse. Either way, I have already had a Coke, a few strands of red licorice, a couple of peanut butter cookies, and a couple of caramels. I’m pondering M&Ms … OK, maybe not. Chocolate can wreak havoc on a headache.

Still, I’m not nearly done.

So, on this first day of Lent, I am wondering what I can give up – that I haven’t already eaten.

Maybe it isn’t about food, anyway.

Perhaps I’d better give up something even more difficult – like complaining about politics, prices, or weather I don’t like (Sloppy snow is predicted for the next couple of days.) … and my fourth day of headache.

Or maybe I’ll stop and look around and realize that, despite discouraging reports and my throbbing brain, the overall outlook for life around here is pretty darn good. The Almighty still holds tomorrow. He’s been there and back.

And He’s already forgiven me for failing to make a suitable snack sacrifice for Lent. Basides, His sacrifice trumps any meager effort I might attempt.

He’s after my heart … more than my menu.

And for that, added to many other blessings, God is to be thanked.

Hmm. Could it be that He’s getting me ready for the Lenten season, after all?

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