Wednesday In The First Week Of Lent

The early METRO today was no less crowded than my usual commute later in the morning; just the riders and standers both seemed sleepier. While waiting for the next train everyone has a favorite spot where we know the doors will open, the car will usually be less crowded, and it is more likely that a seat will be available. Most people go to lengths to find a slight amount of comfort or a quiet place for their morning commute. Snow, a broken escalator, or a defective train disturb our morning or afternoon routine; and put us in a bad mood or cause us to complain at work or at home.

I wondered this morning why such a small disturbance could bring on such emotions. More serious disturbances are greeted with thoughts of “nothing I can do to change…” and/or “ such is life.”

I sometimes think of Lent as a “decluttering” or “cleaning out the closets.” We need to occasionally remove things that have been building up that just get in our way to a better relationship with God. There a little things in our lives that seem to disturb us and put us in a bad mood. We can use Lent as a time to remember to enjoy life’s commute.