Lent. 40 days (6 weeks, not including Sundays + 4 days) if you’re wondering exactly how Lent is 40 days #CatholicMath

Anyway. A time of penitence (prayer, fasting and alms giving) in preparation for Easter. I appreciate the Lenten season in that it is a more simplistic time, to be quiet and rest. Contemplative, cozy. Perfect during this wintry season as we also look forward to Spring and I’m sure that is no coincidence. (at least, here. I am well-aware of the opposing weather cycle on the other side of the globe). And many years I struggle mentally and spiritually heading into Lent.

What do I give up? Who/What will we consider our “charity”? What extra prayer time will I add? So many decisions. What are my motives? Many years, I’m in a good headspace and these are easy choices but other years, like this one, it’s not so cut and clear. Enter the Holy Spirit to grab my attention—and this has happened more than once. You’d think I’d learn. Apparently I am stubborn.

This year, we started Fat Tuesday with “food poisoning” that actually was a belly bug I so charitably shared with the hubby, so basically—the gift that keeps on giving. Talk about your redemptive suffering. Attention granted.

I now have a few of those Lenten questions answered and feel quite confident the remainder will reveal themselves. Moral of the story: ^{Matthew 7:7:} “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Spoiler alert: I/we will be praying for YOU this Lent!

May your own Lenten journey involve less bleach and more quiet and rest in the Spirit.

Peace