April 14 – Rest

Today is the first day of the last week of the season of Lent this year. Each day of this season has presented little challenges, but each day has also brought rewards. As I near the end, I am wondering what new beginning might come from Lent’s ending. 
Lent is not meant to be a self-improvement program, I tell people this often. You don’t take up a fast because you needed to lose a few pounds, anyway. At the same time, it is true that we gain something for our efforts. It’s just that what you gain might be a surprise.
Several years ago I participated in the YMCA Boot Camp. I did it because it was a challenge and I was promised a t-shirt if I made it all the way through. I made it to the end and I got my t-shirt on the last day, which was also the last day I went to the Y. The ending of Boot Camp did not lead to any new beginnings.
But I suspect that the ending of Lent will lead to something. So one week from today, when this season has ended, a new one will have begun. I will be on the first page of that story –
And, as the song says, the rest is still unwritten.

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