Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shall return.
It’s Ash Wednesday: the beginning of forty days of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, good works.
I’ve been thinking for a while about what I could do during these forty days of Lent.
I’ve tried so many things through the years, and I’ve learned that I’m not very good at giving things up. Sad, but true.
Still, I try.
Last year, though, I did add a sheet of paper to my prayer book. I numbered it to 40 and wrote a name next to each number. Family, friends, enemies. Yep. A big mix.
And, yes, it changed me.
That’s what happens when you pray, especially for people you might not like that well.
Today, I saw the cross stamp my son gave me for Christmas.
I decided to make 40 postcards and send them out between now and Easter.
Some I will sign, some I might not.
I will send 40 cards with messages or bible verses that remind me of the recipient.
I’ll stop and think about and pray for that person and do something with the prayer: send it out among the living.
Those crosses will cross miles and hands, and many eyes will see that image.
It’s my Lenten project. I’m thankful for the idea.
I’d love to hear your ideas or traditions related to Lent.
God bless our trying.
