The church service I attended was about lent. Traditionally I have not observed that ritual, though my daughter in law has influenced me to include it in my pre Easter preparation. She once sent me a photograph of herself with ashes on her head, which touched me. It was a visible declaration of her intent. As I write this she and my son are in Israel, exploring the Sea of Galilee, and walking the dirt roads of Bethlehem. 

The minister invited us to articulate three ways we might use these weeks leading up to the resurrection. The steps seem actionable, and I plan to manifest them. There were multiple choice offerings for each commitment, just in case we were lacking our own ideas. 

The first is to repent from something that hurts people. It turns out I know what to stop doing, because I have been doing it on repeat. Defensiveness is getting in the way of a couple of my relationships, and I am committing to myself to jump over that pothole. 

The second step is to add a spiritual practice. Again there were helpful suggestions, and my decision is to reengage with two of them. Prayer has ebbed and flowed for me over the years and in these weeks ahead I will lean into flowing. The other practice is gratitude, and I will up my game for daily additions to that list.  

The third part of the service focused on fasting. This is part of many faith traditions, but curiously not mine. But I can explore it. To tell the truth I am still waffling on what to give up. I want to mean it, so I am taking time to consider. 

It feels good to walk this road, knowing that it will lead me to deeper reflection. Bring a few new things with me. Leave a few behind.