Ash Wednesday… What are you doing for Lent?

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E17412B4-8286-49D9-8DC5-DF802C4B0E86Yesterday, while at the coffee shop, a young man came and sat next to me. I looked over and thought, “I should tell him he has some black dirt on his forehead.” As I was contemplating how to politely reveal this to him, I remembered it was Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.

So, I smiled and said, “Oh, it looks like you stopped by church.”

To which he replied, “Actually, at the University there was a booth and I was able to  stop by there without going to church.”

Interesting, so the Catholic church was making it easier to participate in Ash Wednesday by setting up a booth, knowing that people have busy schedules. Good idea!

Next, I noticed that he had this small journal that he was writing in. I couldn’t help it, I had to comment. It was so small it made me think he was a spy or a writer taking field notes.

So, I said, “I love your small journal, might I ask what you are using it for?”

He said, “I bought it for Lent, I’m going to use it as my daily GRATITUDE journal.”

What a great idea! Most people give something up for Lent and they preface it with “I’m going to TRY and give sweets up, etc.” To me, if you are using the word “try” than you have already failed.

I told this fellow, I liked his gratitude journal much better. I believe in the power of positivity.

He smiled, I smiled, and we wished each other a wonderful day!

It is Lent, I am grateful for meeting this young man who brought “joy” to my day.

What are you grateful for today?

20 thoughts on “Ash Wednesday… What are you doing for Lent?”

  4. Denver took a similar approach to the university “ash booth”. Some of their churches set up drive-thru’s in public parking lots. No need to go to church for ashes. And no excuse to not recognize the beginning of Lent!

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      1. Thanks. Hmmm… probably not. At least, I’ve never taken any pictures of them with the sun shining. I’m not actually a fan of palm trees, although I do love the peach face lovebirds living in the neighbors’ palm trees. However, they’re too small for me to take a good picture.

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      2. I thought I’ve seen your signature picture that you always use… sometimes looking gloomy and sometimes looking sunny. Maybe I am wrong. At any rate, thrilled to know you are feeling better! Have a nice weekend. 🙂

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      3. Most of my scenic pictures are taken either at sunrise or sunset, with the exception of the rainy days pictures, because they’re so rare! They’re a novelty. 😀 You, too.

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  6. I was talking to a nun yesterday who reminded me that we’re supposed to do something positive during Lent. That means getting out more with my dog at a local nursing home. So much more important than giving something up.

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