Today we talked about ashes and how Ash Wednesday is right around the corner. I didn’t grow up practicing lent, but I did know about it. Its not as though the churches my family attended through the years didn’t teach or celebrate lent, but I don’t remember giving anything up. I thought about taking part of Lent last year but didn’t commit to it past a mere thought. This year its more in the for front of my mind and have been thinking about what to give up for my first year of Lent. I know its traditionally a Catholic practice, but I wanted to reread one of my favorite books, Muddhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner this year. Nevermind its about what she misses about Judaism, I think it will be a good Lent book (though it will be hard for me to space it for 40 days). I know 40 days shows up a handful of times in the bible, but I always think of Noah when I hear 40 days. Maybe I should read and study Noah’s story again during lent as well. I’m looking forward to celebrating my first year of real Lent.