Lent at the North Pole

It is the first Friday of Lent.

During Lent many Catholics give up things, perform some sort of sacrifice to help prepare us for the the great gift of Easter.

Well, even Santa does something. Or several things.

Over the years I've given up things - like, coffee, hot chocolate, even cookies! I've also tried to do new things - like spending time in the chapel praying every day, more doing more spiritual reading.

This year, I wasn't sure what to do. Then my darling wife gave me an idea.

We were at the post office picking up the latest sack - at this time of the year, mostly thanks for gifts received, but some ambitious souls are already sending in the lists for next Christmas!

I thanked the clerks and we started walking home.

"You always receive so many letters," my lovely bride observed.

"Yes, yes. It's good to hear from so many people."

"Do you ever write to people yourself?" She asked.

"What?"

"Do you ever write to people to thank them for something they did or said?"

That got me thinking. Yes, I do bring gifts - a way to thank people, I guess. But a note?

So this Lent, I've decided that every day I will sent a note of thanks to someone for something that person did. A courteous clerk. A person who made room to let a motorist turn on to a busy road. A writer who made me smile or think.

The notes don't have to be long. They can be by mail or e-mail - or even a scribbled note.

I'm looking for the person to thank today.

Maybe it will be you!

(Oh, and by the way, I also gave up snacking in the evening and have made some extra time to do more spiritual reading.)