Pathway into Lent

Pathway into Lent

          Two days ago, I celebrated the completion of my 79^th year.  Since my birthday usually falls within the season of Lent, I always give myself dispensation from certain Lenten abstentions and celebrate with gusto.  The day was wonderful, and rather warm for Des Moine, so there was a walk around the block with my granddaughter and son, while grandson and daughter-in-law stayed at the house preparing a glorious and festive birthday dinner.  The next day, yesterday, my son and I had a dinner date at a very fancy restaurant.  The conversation was heartwarming, and we laughed often reminiscing, dining, for a minute or two, with each rekindled memory, as course after course quietly appeared before us.  So, one could say I had a two day birthday celebration, which was not restrained in any way, even in the somber tone of Lent.  As we drove home it came to me that we need not be too strident.  Sometimes, a great treasure waits behind the door which you have to give yourself permission to open.  Just wanted to share this thought with you.   Because that is exactly what I did.  I set aside the Lenten ways, for a while, to open a door filled with love.  Allow those who love you to love you, in the way they would like.  Sometimes, those ways are taking a walk together, creating a magnificent meal just for you, enjoying a very special night out together, joining in a rousing game of Uno, or accepting love and hugs, even when the fingers bear a trace of cake icing.  Allow those who love you to love you without restraint, even in the season of Lent.

The reading I have chosen today is from Isaiah 55:12

The Reading

February 27, 2024

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”  Isaiah 55:12