Lent begins tomorrow, and today, many people will be indulging in overindulgence so that they can “tank up” before depriving themselves (mostly) of whatever they choose to give up for Lent.

(I realize that doesn’t fully describe “Fat Tuesday,” or, “Mardi Gras,” but I choose to be general about it.)

You see, I don’t really observe the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday as a 24-hour chocolate binge (or any other binge for that matter). I prefer to add something during Lent, rather than take something away, and if you have a chronic illness that precariously balances on the edge of a routine, with little disruption, then you probably understand why I do this.

When you live with a chronic illness, you essentially live deprivation of many kinds. So, I prefer to try to do something more, something “more good,” during the 40 days of Lent and, hopefully, beyond. And, like every year, I will keep this to myself, not seeking public acknowledgement, but rather, being “anonymous” to anyone but God.

Perhaps you feel you have no joy. Try to cultivate it for Lent. Or, perhaps, you have a hard time being compassionate toward people who are less ill than you, but complain more loudly. Try to turn around your heart. Maybe you really abhor the body that has become yours over the course of your illness. Try to see it through God’s prism: one of love for his unique child, one worthy of respect and love.

Take today to muster determination for tomorrow and all through Lent – to add something positive instead of focusing on the negative!

Peace

Maureen