LENT – 40 Days

DAY 1 …

It is the best of times. It is the worst of times. Or so the story is told.

At the writing of this post, it is day 1 of a 40-day season that is known for prayer, fasting, and reflection as we lead up to Easter 2026.

Yesterday was Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, where one digs into sweets, parties all night, and enjoys some Kings Cake (and let’s just ignore the beads!). I spent three years in Louisiana and this season is one that hits close to my journey of life. Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday – a day celebrated with pancakes. And who doesn’t love pancakes?

With pancakes and Kings Cakes done … we enter to 40 days of fasting, or letting go of something to enable a spiritual renewal seeking a closer walk with God – full of forgiveness and peace.

The Best of Times … Let’s spend this time refocusing our attention on Jesus. We are so blessed, and who wouldn’t want a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God.

The Worst of Times … I rarely do anything according to a schedule. Too ADHD and looking for squirrels I guess. Birthday cards late. Sending Christmas gifts after the first of the year. Setting my own agenda and deadlines seem to come naturally to me. And this confuses so many people, my self included.

And, I seem to do things different. However, keeping things strange has its strength. And I love strange.

SOOOOO …. for Lent 2026, I will honor the 40-days, But instead of giving something up, I will take something up … consistently writing the Muddy Shoes for 40 days. If you are wanting to be a stickler, maybe you could say I am giving up ignoring the blank page, ignoring the writing of the posts, and ignoring the missed deadlines … so I will write.

I will also use it to focus my thoughts – on seeing God in everything around me. And isn’t that what Lent really is about, a refocus in our journey.

So stay tuned. We will explore some history. We will laugh at some of my warped humor (hopefully more with me, less at me). We also will get some personal stories. For you see, I have a kid coming in under three weeks. Well, a grand kid that is.

Today – Day One – I will focus on the Best of Times!

God is Good!

For now … enjoy this picture of my Daughter-in-Law who is very great with child.