The pleasures of Lent

It’s a glorious thing, Lent.  As we give up those things to which we have become attached, we find ourselves becoming better people, more willing to give up additional attachments, frailties, and faults. As we experience success in our sacrifices of fasting, praying, almsgiving, we take pleasure in the newfound knowledge that we are stronger than we thought, less needy, more thankful.

Perhaps it is just the change in weather-sunny, warm, with spring in the air, that the mood around here has been lifted. But I prefer to think of the credit as belonging to Lent.   After all, we are being cleansed, strengthened, and made to be more like Him every day.  Shouldn’t that make us feel good?

Sure, we are on that long, exhausting hike through the desert. Our feet burn, our muscles ache, and thorns scratch us as we pass but the goal is in sight! Easter, like a cool shower from above, awaits us at the end! Doesn’t it feel GOOD to be on our way!