During the season of Lent, many Christians try to give up a pleasure or practice that they may enjoy, but that may not be good for them. There are some favourites, and among them are the following: drinking alcohol, using social media, eating chocolate, swearing, drinking coffee, consuming soda pop, and eating sweets. By giving up such items, we’re told, we’re invited to follow Jesus’s 40-day fast in the desert so we can build self-discipline and strengthen our relationship with God.

Over the years I’ve promised to give up several of these worldly pleasures, with varying degrees of success. But this year I’ve felt the need to find another focus – namely to resist the temptation to see the world as a dark and troubled place that’s largely devoid of goodness. I don’t know about you, but doesn’t it seem that all the news we hear is bad, and that the world is filled with far too much pain, havoc and sorrow? And don’t you have days when it all seems too much? I do. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.

So, over these next weeks, I’d invite you to join me in trying NOT to focus so much on the world’s problems, and instead take time every day to look actively for one example of goodness and beauty around you – just one. This suggestion comes from theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, and she offers a number of ideas about how we can do so.

For example, we can take a photo of something we notice – like, perhaps, how the light comes through a window at a particular time of day and gives us pleasure. We can write a sentence or two about a warm interaction we’ve had with someone – be it friend or stranger. Or we can note something helpful that we’ve read or heard that brightened our day. Then we’re invited to keep a record of what we’ve experienced, seen or heard.

Record sheets were distributed at church last Sunday to help us do so, and
more will be available this week. But you can also develop your own list.

Regardless, let’s all remember that, in the midst of all the darkness, God continues to foster a spirit of compassion, grace and love here and throughout the world. Thanks be to God.