I am taking today off from blogging (and to a certain extent, eating) in observance of Ash Wednesday. The start of Lent, Ash Wednesday marks a time when we Christians look to remind ourselves that we come from ashes and will return to them, remembering that this earth is not our true home. By giving things up and fasting we draw closer to God and our less fortunate brothers and sisters, and build a sense of discipline and mindfulness that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the world (especially the online world.)
There is a beautifully calming poem from T.S. Eliot I like to read to myself on days like this, and I think it resonates on a lot of levels. If you’re looking for something to reflect on today, I’ve always found the poem to help me center myself and “ease” into being.
I’ll be back later this week, included a look at what I was chowing down on on Fat Tuesday.
I give my time for others during Lent. My focus becomes on helping others the way Jesus sacrificed for us. Not so he could “skip dessert for Lent”, feel me?
Of course. I think thay’s what most Christians today strive to do.
Strive to do which?
Not simply “give up” something for the sake of giving it up, but rather, to devote that time or energy or attention to serving and loving others.