I used to wonder why people thought it was such a big deal to give up lint. So, I have to clean my belly button for 40 days in a row? OK, I can do that. Chances are that as a kid, when I was bored, digging around in my belly button was on my list of things to do. As was checking for dirt between my toes! Hey, don’t laugh, Nintendo wasn’t invented yet. Granted, it took a while, but finally I got the gist of things.
Ash Wednesday is the start of the 40 days of Lent. Traditionally celebrated as a time for individuals, to do without or give up something, that is dear to the person.
This year, I’m going to try a new approach. Instead of giving up cookies or using bad words, for Lent; I want to let go of whatever pride, anger, meanness, lack of patience or ignorance gets in my way of treating others with kindness. Chances are I would be more successful abandoning breathing for 40 days and nights. But, I’m going to give this a shot.
Of course, this means I’m going to be apologizing a whole lot more! I hate apologizing! It means admitting I was wrong. Even if I don’t think I was. Um, yes, I do have a problem with PRIDE – what gave you that clue????
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude,
then animals are better off than a lot of humans.”
James Herriot
Editors Note: Please do not take offense to Kitty having an Ash Wednesday cross on his forehead. He is always quick to accept love, give love, forgive and offer comfort. He deserves the blessing of grace, much more than I! Plus – he’s very furry and makes a ton of LINT!
Hallo,
This for you, for beiing kind for others and me, http://www.bigcards.nl/card/pickup/bc-c7cf3c10/
Sweet greetings, Summer
You are so sweet, Summer. Thank you for the beautiful thoughts!
Jodi
You’re welcome : )
This is one of the best blogs I’ve read today. I’ve smiled and sat back in my chair and thought – yep, that’s what it’s all about. Terrific photos and graphics to accompany your message.
A wonderful thought. And a wonderful Lent resolution or sacrifice, a fine and noble goal. Getting rid of pride and anger and attempting to be kind to people at all times can only be a noble and worthy endeavor. I suppose apologizing first as you do gets you into the correct temper for being kind, but the season marches along, so good luck with it. And….the word Lent. What is its origin?
Lent meant “spring.” It comes from an Old English Word “lencten.” The Anglo Saxon word for the month of March is “lenct.” I remember this from reading Old English in college, don’t know if my spelling is quite right, tho. According to the Latin dictionary, which is where everything seems to start – Lent is Quadragesima. My linguistics are hideously rusty but I think this is sort of close to right
Thank you very much. Be well.
40 days of you not being snarky. I wish we lived close by so that I could witness the miracle.
By the way, I love your blog. Peggy
LOL! That’s down right funny!!!! Wish you were closer too. Actually, I wish we were closer to you! Glad you like the blog. Say “hi” to everyone!