I am probably the only one in the world that is not playing Wordle. Lately, I have been around a lot of people who are playing it. Perhaps someday. I am curious if one of the words has ever been happy? It seems that we could use a little happy these days. So much is going on in the world, and right here at home, that tends to put people on edge. Thankfully, we are coming to a season within the Church that will help us reach happy: LENT!
Traditionally, you could say that Lent isn’t really a happy time; we are fasting, and trying to pray more and give more to those in need. But I guess it is all in how you approach it. Take for example the most recent snowstorm we had. Most adults were rushing around, buying milk and bread and other things, all the while mumbling about the inconveniences of the storm. A friend of mine experienced that and then, while walking her dog, passed by some children who looked very excited. She asked them what was making them so happy, and they said the up and coming ‘snowstorm’, which meant sledding, snowball fights, building snowmen, and on and on! Two different approaches and attitudes to the same situation.
So how are we to approach the upcoming Lenten season, which is coming up in a week’s time? I say we take a cue from the children. Can we look at Lent as a time to happily prepare for the greatest feast in our church – Easter Sunday? This could be the year where we use the preparation time not to give up or deprive ourselves, but to fill ourselves.
What do I mean? Usually, when we are getting ready for a special occasion or visit from someone, we happily prepare by cleaning house and making sure that we have enough of everything we might need; the list goes on and on! Instead of giving something up, why not use these forty days to improve ourselves and learn how to prepare ourselves to celebrate this great feast? Instead of looking at the time as one of loss, why not think of it as a time of gain?
I recently purchased Edward Hays’ book A Lenten Hobo Honeymoon. I have just read the introduction and it has me quite excited about beginning my journey as a “hobo” on the way to Easter and beyond. The journey focuses on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, concentrating on desired growth, with both short and long-term goals. For me, that looks like a positive way to approach Lent! Most of us are set in our ways of our Lenten journey. Why not shake things up a little and do something different?
So, what will your journey through Lent be this year? I think I am going to happily enjoy seeing how a
“hobo” goes through Lent. It may give me a whole new perspective on my journey to Easter! I will have to let you know how my journey as a “hobo” progresses. It is definitely different!
My challenge for you this week is to review how you prepare for Easter and perhaps take a journey you have never taken before. You may be surprised how and where you end up. Can you make a Happy time?
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
