Message from Mary: Lent

Lent is here. As in previous years, I am hurriedly spinning through ideas for my personal Lenten sacrifice. For me, it all started when I came to St. John’s just before Lent 2004.

I’d only heard what folks around me were saying about their ideas. I remember talking with Associate Rector, Rev. Elizabeth (Liddy) Hoster about what I might give up. I said, ‘I guess I could give up chocolate, too.’ Liddy took a short breath, cocked an eyebrow and said “why don’t you think about something a bit more challenging, like ‘disgust’ or ‘jealousy’”. Well, I felt more than a little busted. So I worked hard that year letting go of my tendency to feel disgust. That year – not just Lent.

This year I will be giving up . . . wait . . . yeah, as of the deadline date, I don’t know. When you see me, ask me about it. I intend to land on that which will grow the gifts God gave me, so we’ll see.

While sifting for ideas, I sorted through files and found this quote I’d saved. It is attributed to Gregory S. Williams. So, I’ll leave you with this: “On the other side of the storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.”