The boys used to have a video game that was like a Star Wars movie  – you  fly jets through small spaces at high speeds and avoid being ambushed or hitting a wall.  Each time the game started the voice over would solemnly announce: “It is morning.”  Which of course turned into Al using it as a way to wake the little  boys up.  Funny stuff.

I bring it up because I hear a solemn voice in the back of my head saying “It is Lent.”   Slow down.  Stop even.  Take stock.  When I was a little girl there was always a competition among my group to see who could sacrifice more.  I always gave up ice cream.  Say no more.  Later as an adult you understand that it is more about giving up your spiritual faults – controlling? being judgmental? irritable? self-centered? Might wanna give that up for Lent.  The other piece of that which comes out for adults is that one shouldn’t crow about one’s good works or sacrifices.  It is more blessed when it is done just because.

It is raining today.  We haven’t had measurable rain all winter.  I was supposed to go ski for a day (nirvana) today but the winter storm watch in the mountains thwarted our plans.  I’m kind of irritated with this lack of precipitation because, after 30 years of being an occasional skier, and having rented skis tens of times, I bought a pair of used rental skis from a store, had them spiffed up, for $99.  Last year I invested in boots so that I would hopefully have more consistent control over the skis.  There is all sits in the corner. BUT! The storm means more snow and tomorrow is to be beautiful so we are going to get up before the sun tomorrow and be on the slopes early.

Today, however, I am going to make a mini Lenten retreat.  The rain is raining, the dog is sleeping.  I have not written in months it seems.   There is so much that has gone on in the past month or so, I am emotionally spent and a retreat is necessary.  I may do some writing today, we’ll see.

There was another part of that video game that became part of our family lexicon.  “Stay right, and steer clear of the walls…”  That sounds rather Lenten too!