Ash Wednesday

For many people, Catholic and Protestants alike, today marks the beginning of the Lenten season. A time for self denial and preparation for Passover, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday, leading up to Easter.

Kate knows that often people choose to give up something during Lent. One day while at the grocery store she smiles an evil grin and tells me, "I know what I'm giving up for Lent," as we stand in the middle of an aisle.

"Really?" I ask.

"Yep. I'm giving up school."

So her first attempt was vetoed.

Her next, while less self serving was as untenable as the first... "I'm not going to talk during Lent." While a vow of silence can certainly serve a purpose, I think at 6 she needs to be able to tell me things. Things like, "Mama Nate climbed on top of..." well whatever he climbed onto at that moment.

Last night she announced, "I'm giving up screaming for Lent."

I think this will be challenging for her so I asked, "What will you do when you forget what you gave up for Lent?" Trying to make her think about how she would repent for breaking her vow and deciding if she thought she could really pull it off.

"I guess I'd say, 'Hey Mama, what did I give up for Lent?'"

"No honey, I meant, what if you forget you gave up screaming and you did scream?"

"Hmmm. I guess I would just have to not scream anymore after that.

So, it *should* be quiet here, at least on the Katie front until Easter... Best wishes in any changes you are making for Lent as well!