SHROVE TUESDAY AND ASH WEDNESDAY

The countdown to Shrove Tuesday, or pancake Tuesday as most of us know it, has ended and this signals the beginning of the journey towards Easter. I’m still recovering from Christmas and trying to implement all those New Year’s resolutions I decided on. I’m not ready for Easter, but I have to be because time zooms on.

Often our Christian journey mirrors the same sentiments. We really do want to be better Christians, go to church more often and yes, we do strive to be better people, but time just runs away with us and we are left with only good intentions!

This time, before Easter is exactly that. It is about us deciding on one attribute, which we want to change, regarding our relationship with God, and taking the next 40 to make that change. It’s about perseverance and never giving up. It’s about struggling, conquering and, most importantly, being victorious. 

This is the first time since 1945 that Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day. Certain churches have requested that, on such years, Valentine’s Day be celebrated the day before - as Ash Wednesday should take precedence. For me, it is not an either/or situation, but the true message of St Valentine reminds us that Ash Wednesday is about relationships, that which we have with God and those that we have with each other. It is about our unconditional love for our creator and those important people in our lives.

So toughen up; commit to 40 days of lent, change and journeying with God as he continues to hold you and your loved ones in His gentle arms.