Something Missing

The season of Lent typically starts after a day of feasting and joy called “Fat Tuesday” or Mardi gras. The day is usually celebrated at the church I pastor by a dessert bash, and a fun, wild night. Where was it this year??

Two months ago the Haiti earthquake happened and saddened the whole world. That occurred after we had ourselves been through an almost two year long recession that nearly became the worst economic event for 80 years.

I miscalculated two months ago. I thought we would still be so pained that we would not be able to do a good job feasting and laughing. So, looking two months ahead, which is how I typically plan, I left off pursuing this event.

Boy was I wrong. Instead of just mourning Haiti, our whole country, and by all means our area, have put their energy into raising money and truly doing fantastic things for Haiti.

We appear to be creeping out of recession.

It is hard to suppress hope. It is the basic orientation of the journey of faith. My bad for thinking we would mope instead of work. My apologies for forgetting the power of a faith family to aim high, do good, and cherish the lives we have been given.

Hope you had a fun preparation. Now, Ash Wednesday comes and the stretching season of Lent. Work it! Stretch into your future, and don’t underestimate the power of hope.

Do well.