Thoughts: In some countries today is "Fat Tuesday" (Mardi Gras in French) and in others (Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand) today is "Shrove Tuesday", Shrove is the word for confession. In the English speaking countries sometimes Shove Tuesday is called "Pancake Day." Pancakes were eaten to get rid of the rich foods that were often given up for Lent (sugar, fat, milk, meat-like bacon).
Unfortunately, what has happened- especially in the secular world of the west- people simply regard today as "Mardi Gras" meaning time to overindulge. So many overindulge in eating and drinking and partying today. Of course, you don't have to think too hard to recognize that sin is a sin any time. It is not that God waives sin's consequences because we want Him to do so. It is not like an "eat drink and be merry for tomorrow" you will have to fast for Ash Wednesday idea. Many Protestants refuse to practice Lent because of such abuses. Certainly many in the Reformed faith saw Lent as doing more harm than good because of its abuses. For us, however, Lent can be a blessing and a tool to draw closer to God. If we are drawn closer to God by a period of stricter religious practice, that is a blessing. Every now and then I hear someone say at Christmas time- "I wish it were Christmas all year round- because people are kinder and more generous." Lent is only a tool- but it is a reminder that our goal is to draw closer to God each day.
Tomorrow begins a daily devotional on Lent (on this blog) with a missions theme: "Declare God's Glory- Be a Missionary."
Prayer: Help me to draw closer to you each day, Lord. Keep me from abusing the good gifts and tools you give me.
Peter Bruegel the elder- "The Fight Between Carnival and Lent" 1559
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