A good enough march into Lent

Lent got off to a precarious start for me, as I was at the Bassmaster Classic in South Carolina & didn’t have a chance to attend or watch an Ash Wednesday worship service. It’s been good for me that two churches I support, follow & attend as often as possible are using the same theme. It’s helped reinforce the message of “good enough” as I look at everyday life from a fresh perspective. 

One suggestion highlighted the value of trying, whether it be something new, something I had given up on or even something totally offbeat, absurd or silly. 

A lot of it has to do with acceptance — seeing things as they are & embracing the good. It’s always there if I look for it, praying to see as God sees. 

Good enough. For me, it’s possible only with God’s grace, through my faith in Jesus Christ, as my sufficiency. What an amazing gift!

Another year older

 And no regrets 

Another very good trip

 The definition of a good trip may be changing. One of the best parts, without a doubt, is making it safely home. 

No fish for Evan

 It was still good to spend the day on Pickwick Lake with Gene & Hal. 

Two days later …

The 2022 Bassmaster Classic is two days past & I still have no words …. 

A day late & right on time

Our Lenten theme is Good Enough. So, yes!!

No ashes, no worship

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t worship in person or online for Ash Wednesday, and I don’t have a spiritual plan of action for Lent. 

It’s 11:17 pm Eastern Time & I’m praying for God to receive me as I am, with all my imperfections. Only by His grace am I made good enough to be accepted by Him. I’m grateful for His grace. 

Choosing gratitude, graciousness & joy

Each sunrise brings a new opportunity to choose to be grateful, gracious & joyful. Thanks to my friend Suzette for the reminder & motivation. #sunshinestateofmind #southcarolinasunrise #inallthingsgivethanks

That was a good thought, illustrated with an image of the sunrise as seen from our Hilton Greenville hotel room, on the first day of March. 

I had to come back to those choices several times today — after I locked myself out of the hotel room; realized when I turned back after walking more than a mile away from the hotel that I’d been going downhill; after I dealt unsuccessfully with a shortage of hot water for my shower; and after I stumbled downhill off a curb, breaking my fall with the base of my hands. 

I expect to continue to need to be reminded that I have choices as one of my busiest weeks of the year continues. 

Fortunately, even with the pitfalls, there was an abundance of exceptionally nice experiences & blessings. The sunrise. Breakfast & dinner with my love. Walking in fresh air & sunshine. Beautiful gifts. Good food. Evidence of God all around in the wonder of nature & the kindness of people, including the waitress who brought me a big bag of ice for me to hold my hands on while waiting for & during dinner. 

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. I don’t know whether I will make it to a place where I can have ashes placed on my forehead. I feel confident God will guide me to a meaningful start to Lent if I allow Him to. I pray to choose to be willing as well as grateful, gracious & joyful.