Ash Wednesday

Ive decided to write a blog for Lent along the lines of the Advent offering I write every year.  Really this is just a way of helping me to focus over the coming forty days and think a bit more deeply about faith and life and connect with God more.

I have no idea what Im going to write about.  But I was reading something the other day which says that Lent is not only supposed to be about penitence and fasting and being somewhat downbeat.  Its also about thankfulness and joy.  So for a start today Im going to count my blessings. :-)

Here are just a few of the things for which I am profoundly thankful. ( in no particular order)

My body.  It works. Its amazing.
Imagination - the ability to dream and wonder and ponder and create.  Wow
My boys - three of the most diverse, funny, warm, brilliant kids.  It is a super privilege to be their Mum
Food.
Money in the bank - when so much of the world is managing on a dollar a day or less, I am rich beyond imagining and I never want to take that for granted.
Friends - I have a handful of the most loving, dedicated and faithful friends who have been with me through the storms and celebrations of life.  I know I am loved. I am SO blessed.  You know who you are.
Music - I cant imagine my life without it.  Thankful to my parents for infusing my life with music when I was a child and for forcing me to learn to play the piano when I really didnt want to!
Safety - I am so thankful that I live in a peaceful land
and finally  Jesus.  Im pretty sure I wouldnt still be here had I not been introduced to Him when I was sixteen. Or if I was still here my life would look very different and much more messy.  His hand on me has saved me again and again from really poor decisions and bad outcomes.

There are a zillion other things and people who are a blessing every day.  I guess every breath is a gift.  We take so much for granted.  Lent is a time for reflection - for taking time NOT to take things for granted.  For expressing a deep appreciation to God for all that we have and perhaps for shedding some of the unnecessary and unhelpful things, attitudes, habits which have managed to attach themselves to us in the past while.
Im looking forward to this Lenten journey.   I hope some of you will come with me :-)

Lord,
thank you so much for the many many blessings you pour into my life every day.  From the breath in my lungs to the people and material possessions which make my life so good.  Forgive me when I take it all for granted.  This Lent I want to be thankful and joyful as I meditate on your goodness to me - a goodness which ultimately leads to a resurrection life.  Help me to be as generous to others as you have been to me.