How is your Lent going?

I’m getting lots of emails from people looking for more Lenten reading than I’ve suggested in The Bookshelf. “I’m having trouble focusing,” is what I’m getting a lot of, along with a few, “I started out strong, but I’ve kind of lost track of Lent…”

My own Lent is kind of a weird one. I mentioned that a family member has been diagnosed with abdominal mesothelioma, and the poor guy seems to be doing a fast fade on us – and it is a terrible one; he is suffering.

It’s terrible to feel so helpless – all I can do is pray for him and for his wife and kids, who are stunned and trying to cope as best they can, and grasping at anything they can to hold steady. We are all shocked. As with my friend Jane, who lasted only 6 weeks after her diagnosis, this man was careful, always had a physical, was not fat, didn’t smoke, didn’t overeat, got exercise – he looked great. Then he feels a little off, goes to the doctor and next thing you know, he’s in terrible shape and we don’t know if he’ll make it to Easter. It’s just unbelievable.

It makes me think back to when Buster got mystical about illness and prayer.

And yes, it’s rather re-focused Lent for me, too. There is lots to think about – lots to pray about, and so many, many to pray for.

Jeanette at Oh How I Love Jesus has posted a meditation that might be useful in helping one get refocused. It is very simple. You never take your eyes off of Jesus or his passion. I recommend checking it out.