You can hear the footsteps of God when silence reigns in the mind.

~Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Happy Mardi Gras to everyone!!! Today was a good day...and for once, a good meal in the caf in celebration of Mardi Gras. I was productive today...getting lots of little things done I have been putting off. It helps to make a list and be able to check things off, it brings a feeling of accomplishment. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday...the beginning of Lent. I will admit, I'm not fond of Lent. When I was younger I had someone in my school present Lent to me as a time of sorrow, a depressing time. Since then, I haven't cared for it much. I still don't. Though after a conversation with a good friend, I am seeing a little more light in it. I always have believed that Jesus does not want us being depressed about what he had to do for us. Yes, we must reflect on it, understand what it means---but I believe He wants us to live from it, to be happy and share our happiness, to go out and love and do good deeds in order to repay him. That is why I have struggled with the way Lent was first presented to me. I could not understand God wanted us to mope about for 40 days. I also have never figured out how people giving up candy and pop is going to make God happy--I think God has better things to do then worry about what we are eating. I'm skeptical I know, but I am opento learning more about it--help me out if you wish. I mentioned this to a friend the other day...he enlightened me that Lent is not necessairly supposed to be a sad time, but a time of renewal. That allowed me to open up to it a bit more...but I still struggle. I need some input on the true meaning of Lent...some new insights to help me learn to love the season and not dread it with my every being. SO....throw it at me!!

As far as silence, I am learning to like it a little more. I am so used to noise and being surrounded by people that I have never really had silence. I have promised myself to take some time to be still, to listen, to pray, and to just 'be.' Maybe I'll learn to appreciate it a little more. I do not think I will ever be one of those people who requires lots of alone time and silence, but I do think we all need it from time to time---so, I've been working on taking some 'me' time, to allow myself to just 'be' and see what God has to say to me.

May you all have a blessed Ash Wednesday---and Lenten season.

Picture: A beautiful Amazon flower--reminding me of renewal!