Lenten Journey with Providence

Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, is the day many celebrate with feasts and celebration before the austerity of Lent begins.  It's been a time for me when I cleanse the house of all the temptations that would cause me to break my Lenten Fast.  That usually means ridding the house of ice cream, cookies, candy, and chocolate.  For you see, I always thought that getting rid of the temptation would allow me to be better able to say, "no" to that which I desire.

This year I had a revelation.  I will not get rid of all those things that tempt me.  I will leave them in place to assure my resolve.  Ice cream is still in the freezer and cookies are still on the shelf, especially all the Girl Scout cookies...

Let the temptation remain.  Through the grace of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit I hope to prevail over these temptations.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting my not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." ~Matthew 6: 16-18

So this evening I will have a wonderful dinner just as always, without the usual gluttony that occurs when I try to get eat all the temptation before tomorrow.  I will make every effort to relax, pray, and avoid the temptation that will continue to be there.  This will be my resolve this Lent.  Perhaps, I'll even be more successful in this fast.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!