Today is Ash Wednesday, the start to Lent. It is also the day after Fat Tuesday, the day everyone joins Mardi Gras (carnival) and wants to be Catholic.
With ashes on my forehead and the decision to give up swearing and do some other things for Lent (just buy me a punching bag) I am reminded that Lent evokes somber images of ashes and fasting, sin and self-denial, suffering and death. Throughout the 40 days of Lent, many church alters are draped in purple, gray, or black, and music turns a tad mournful (well more mournful than usual). As a Catholic, I have never found church crackling with energy and shouts of love.
Being Catholic is such an interesting way to go through life. I mean who else walks around with a big black dirt spot on their forehead for a day? Usually I fast the whole day, but I didn't this year - the day sort of snuck up on me.
I did celebrate Fat Tuesday with my son though. I let him have ice cream for dinner while I had a hamburger with a bun. I think the last hamburger I ate was when I was 40...
Maybe I should have given up Hamburgers for Lent?
Just think, in several weeks when we come up out of this, it will be Easter - it will be SPRING ;-) Time to plant gardens and go back out into the world - daylight Savings begins - and my favorite time of year.
Until next time-
C
