Ashes to Ashes

I grew up Methodist in a small town. Ash Wednesday signaled the beginning of Lent. We didn't give up anything---only Catholics did. Hmm. Then I went to college. I politely tried to wipe off the black smudge on my friend's forehead. She was mortified. I was mortified. We laughed about it for weeks. I had much to learn about Lent and religious practices...apparently. Which brings me to now. I usually sacrifice instead of only giving up something. So, well...I haven't quite decided. I could give up napping, checking my email constantly, putting off organizing, blah, blah, blah. I have made a commitment to my new Bible study---Just Walk Across the Room. I have been listening to what the Holy Spirit is telling me. It's a little uncomfortable, but when He calls you follow. You listen and then listen some more and sometimes you just walk across the room or the yard or the hospital room and follow where the Holy Spirit has led you. Maybe I've given up listening to myself and somewhere in the process gain the blessings.