lent – Page 8 – 300 words a day

Selling “Lent”

I published “Lent for non-Lent people” two years ago. It’s a collection of short reflections to be read, one per day, during the seven weeks before Easter, starting on “Ash Wednesday” (February 10). I asked a friend to help me sell the book this year. She said, “Can you describe the feeling that people are […]

by Jon Swanson

Every Monday in 2016

First published January 7, 2013. Updated for 2016. You can plan now to make something happen every Monday in 2016. All you have to do is one of these: Tell your child/children you are grateful they are alive. Ask God for wisdom for the decisions you have to make this week. Drink a large glass […]

by Jon Swanson

Is it bad luck to tell someone what you are giving up for Lent?

Is it bad luck to tell someone what you are giving up for Lent? No. Luck is mostly not involved at all. On the other hand, there is some research suggesting that telling people your goals can keep you from accomplishing them. And the commitments we make are often a kind of goals. Did Jesus practice […]

by Jon Swanson

Adding compassion for Lent

“How can I be more compassionate?” she asked. I asked her why. She didn’t seem particularly discompassionate. “I was reading Colossians,” she said. “And I read Paul’s encouragement to clothe ourselves with compassionate hearts. And I realized that I have moments of compassion, but I don’t wear it like a jacket.” I smiled at her […]

by Jon Swanson

giving up a run for lent

It’s a stretch to say that I gave up my half-marathon for Lent. That would be no sacrifice at all, since I haven’t ever run 13.1 miles. Giving up something we’ve never done isn’t exactly fasting. It’s like saying, “For Lent, I will give up caviar and sushi and arsenic” knowing that I have never […]