It was back in 2006 that the rage was to find smiley faces in unexpected places. Smiles were found on building facades, dinner rolls, doors, ovens, electronic doodads, rocks, trees, parking meters, and airliners, just to name a few. It’s fun to glance at something ordinary and see a grin in return!

When ambling around our neighborhood the other day, I realized that Ash Wednesday and the commencement of the season of Lent were upcoming in February. I love the process of Lent – the laser focus on Jesus for six weeks, the shedding of parts of self that do not please God, the journey to Holy Week, the misery of Good Friday that is replaced by the elation of Easter. 

When Lucy was still with us, we walked our neighborhood several times daily. I knew every house, bush and crack in the sidewalk. On my recent stroll though, I looked at my surroundings through Lent-eyes. What did I see? Crosses. They were in mailbox posts, window panes, fences. 

I think we see what we’re looking for. I hope that during this introspective, thoughtful, repentant time from February 22 to April 8, we all look for Jesus. What better reminder than the symbol of His overwhelming and humbling sacrifice - a cross?  May we all have the eyes of Lent to see Him more clearly than ever before.

Lenten blessings,

Ann Summerson
Coordinator of Campus Ministry