Ash Wednesday, Two Weeks Later
“What did you give up for Lent?”
“I gave up chocolate, and I can’t believe how hard it’s been!”
“I know. Me, too. But I’m really proud of myself.”
“Same here. I even had three people tell me yesterday that they couldn’t believe that I — ”
And suddenly a cough interrupts, a little too closely.
They turn to see who would be so rude.
He says, “Sorry, but, uhm, couldn’t help but overhear.
“I tell people that when they give, when they pray, and even when they fast, to do it quietly.
“Even unobtrusively.”
They look at each other uncomfortably.
They’ve read about something like this.
In that big leather book. In Matthew 6:1-18.
They look back at the one who interrupted them.
What happens next is up to you.
Feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll see you back here soon.
joescheets 
I gave up chocolate. Then decided that was too easy (what was I thinking?!?) and gave up all sweets. And (well, other then this comment) haven’t really told anyone other than Gene and I couple people who have asked. And I have been incredibly strict on myself and fun myself focusing so much more in Christ this Lent than in years past. This year, it’s a pact with me and Him. It’s not about anyone else…and it’s been an incredibly powerful experience.
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Oh, Katie, yesssssss!
Thank you for sharing this.
Wow…again, wow!
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Please please please excuse how my phone changed a couple of those words, I am usually such a grammar stickler but this is what happens when I have exactly 1 minute to reply – from my phone – before I have to wake up one kiddo to go get the other from preschool
And seriously, best Lent ever. God is working so much in me…who knew I just needed to be open and listen?!? 🙂
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Rather than giving anything up, which I always made too easy, I have privately promised some self-discipline. I have told people about the water exercise to rebuild the muscle in my leg; something I should have started much sooner than Lent. The other is unknown to anyone but my Father. So far, that is keeping me honest and makes being open so much easier.
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