Mardi Gras: Preparing For The Journey Through Lent

“I have to say it now
It's been a good life all in all
It's really fine
To have the chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire
And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and watch the sun go down

And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long it's been since yesterday
What about tomorrow
What about our dreams
And all the memories we share” – John Denver

Tomorrow marks the start of the Season of Lent and new journey of faith for me. I have decided to keep an online journal to record my thoughts and actions for two reasons. The first reason is so that I can recall my experiences throughout the season. The second reason is with the hope that someone else might enjoy following my own personal journey and maybe in some way it helps them on their journey.

I named this blog “Poems, Prayers and Promises” because it is one of my favorite John Denver songs and I think it fits so well with Lent. It is an opportunity to sit and think about where one has been and where one is going in their life. We recall the poems, or words that inspire and guide us. We spend the time in prayer, asking God for guidance and direction toward a more fruitful relationship with him. Finally, we make promises to others, ourselves and God to become better Christians as a result of our spiritual journey during this time. With these aspects for reflection in our lives, we start to shape the person God intended for us to become in the world.

I should explain how I envision this journal working. Over the next six and a half weeks, I plan to update daily. These updates will take the form of personal reflections, lyrics, poems, prayers, or even questions that enter my mind as my spiritual journey progresses.

So enjoy the rest of your Mardi Gras!