Lenten Fun

Not a phrase you are likely to read often.  However, Lent is one of my favorite seasons of the year, as it always feels like a time of real slowing down and introspection.  This is just a light post, because anyone who is observing Lent will surely get enough that's grave and weighty today.

For resources on keeping Lent, take a look at Full Homely Divinity, a useful little website with thoughts, suggestions and history on the seasons of the year.  As you might guess from the title, the emphasis of the website is on ways to keep the seasons of the Church year in mundane, domestic life - not just in the liturgical setting of corporate worship. Check it out,  it's a fun website.  

The Collect

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And, reposting from last year, here is a little song by Tom Waits, that always seems terribly fitting to me on Ash Wednesday. I'm probably a little odd, but I can live with that.  This time, it's a cover done by the great Johnny Cash.  

Have a blessed Ash Wednesday everybody, and a holy Lent.