Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, which is a forty day period during which we Christians are supposed to remember our sinfulness, repent, ask God's forgiveness, and recognize that God's forgiveness comes at an infinite price -- the death of Christ on the cross on our behalf. It is not meant as a time of false humility or prideful self-sacrifice. It reminds us that our sin separates us from God, who "demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). We are all sinners in desperate need of a Saviour....

I'm a lousy sinner always striving to become more like Christ, and Lent is usually a period of mixed joy and sadness for me...joyful because I tend to be closer to God at this time of the year than any other time, even Christmas, and sad because I'm constantly reminded of His love and grace for me despite my sinfulness. Every year, I give up something, usually chocolate (I LOVE chocolate! especially brownies from the Chocolate Factory and Starbucks Mochas). This year I already planned to also give up cursing at other drivers when I drive. I already succeeded so far today by not driving to work! (yah, I know that's cheating, so sue me!) But I've been doing a bit of research on the Internet, and came across a post that said something to the effect that a Lenten sacrifice should not be giving up something that I shouldn't be doing anyway, like drinking and driving(oops!)

So I guess that means that I will have to add another sacrifice. So I'm now thinking.....maybe I'll do at least one good deed a day for a stranger? like giving up my seat on the train, or helping out a lost tourist? I tried doing that yesterday to this Chinese PRC couple, but they looked warily at me and walked away fast.....I wonder why?????