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It’s funny how certain things, things that have been in your possession for years, things that had no particular significance when they came into your being other than that they just were, can all of a sudden hold deep meaning.  Importance.  Relevance.

St. Francis of Assisi

I’ve had this tile of St. Francis for years.  About 12 years, actually.  Maura and I had picked this up when we were looking for remodeling ideas for the tiny kitchen of the very first house we bought.   It never was used but I thought it was kind of cool so I fastened a little hanger to it’s back and it’s been hanging on the walls in our kitchens ever since.

Come Easter, it will finally have meaning.  To me, at least.

This Easter, for the first time in well, ever, my wife and I will share a meal together.

The meal.

Together.

You know, sometimes we start off on a journey not realizing we’re going anywhere.  We just walk.  And plod.  At times we’ll run, but not a lot because it hurts our knees and makes us sweaty.  And smelly.  And feel like puking.  Sometimes our direction is focused.  Other times  it’s just bizarre and misguided.

After years of what had seemed to be aimless wandering we reach a destination only to realize that we’ve actually been walking with a purpose for quite some time.  We look back, reflecting on the paths we’ve traveled, and epiphanies glow, brightly illuminated with the awareness of what we’ve accomplished.

This year I am participating in the season of Lent for the first time.  Well, for the first time with a purpose.  It means something this year, more than it ever has.  And I am sharing the experience with my family making it all the richer.

Maura gave up Starbucks for Lent.

And Diet Coke.

She’s been a real peach to be around lately.

My son gave up television.  It’s been a remarkable sacrifice as he’s the only one in the family to do so.  He has not complained once.  Just finds other things to do.

Zoë is trying to help more around the house, taking on the evening dishes and kitchen duty.  I’m hoping she develops a greater appreciation of what it means to apply yourself whole-heartedly to something that is not necessarily a pleasant chore.

And me?

What am I giving up?

I’m giving up being a Baptist.