Each year when Lent rolls around, we talk about what we’ll “give up” for Lent.  Lent is an opportune time to try out a new spiritual discipline.  It is 40 days. It is enough time to establish a new habit.  It is not so long that we will give up if the discipline feels too hard for us at the beginning.  (I can do anything for a month!)

I’ve been pondering what to do this year for Lent.

• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days to fast — remembering not only Jesus’ sacrifice of himself out of love for us, but also remembering all of the people in our world who die from hunger/poverty-related reasons every day.
• Calvary has a set of devotions related to our outreach ministries — and the proceeds from the coin banks and folders will be given to the Two Rivers – Mishicot Ecumenical Pantry (TREP) — so I’ll do those daily activities.  But, those are … too easy? … too routine? … too ordinary? … I don’t know what to call it.  I’ve been doing them for a long time, so I guess I’m a little bored with them.

I want something unique and creative to do this year.  I’ve been eager to start drawing mandalas.  Perhaps I can work on a mandala for the entire season of Lent — drawing a little more each day.  Perhaps I can even post pictures each day on this blog!  Hmmm …. sounds like I have my plan for Lent.

This mandala is a painting that was made for me.  I love it!  It will be interesting to see what happens as I begin to draw one for myself.