Lent begins.

If you're a church junkie such as myself, you might know that yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the church season known as Lent. It's a season of repentance and discipline, and Ash Wednesday kicks it off by reminding us that we are dust and to dust we shall return.

So, you might be surprised to learn that this is probably my favorite season of the church year. Mostly because this is a time when we get together to really be serious about our spiritual disciplines. Not that the rest of the year isn't a good time to have them, but this time of year things are especially focused.

What am I giving up for Lent? I've decided to give up 10-15 minutes a day to practicing simplicity (read: go through my junk piles and get rid of things I don't need). I'm hoping to take just a step or two closer to the recognition that God provides and that I don't need to save everything to have a rich life. In that vein, the 23rd Psalm:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord,
for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me;
you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life;
and your house will be my home as long as I live.