Enjoy Fat Tuesday But Don't Forget Ash WednesdayScot Bower - 16 Feb 2010

I've just dropped 2 excited children off at a pancake party armed with Nutella and Maple Syrup mmm. My tummy's rumbling and I'm looking forward to a savoury crepe for dinner! Yep today is pancake day, Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday!).
For many, my kids included, it's all about the pancakes, but we should remember that Fat Tuesday is there to point us towards Ash Wednesday and Lent; the fasting period that marks the run up to Easter. Today we should be purging our kitchen cupboards of all kinds of good stuff, throwing them together, frying them up and stuffing our faces! We love feasting (and so we should - avoiding gluttony of course!) but we are also taught to fast and tomorrow begins a time of fasting, praying and seeking as we look towards the cross and the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Typically we fast the things we love, (it should be a sacrifice right?) Chocolate and Alcohol are common as is foregoing your favourite TV programs. It doesn't really matter what you fast is as long as it matters to you. Aim high and appreciate God's Grace when you fall! Also make sure you replace your sacrifice with time with Jesus. Pray, read the bible (how about spending each of the 40 days (Sundays aren't included) reading the account of the crucifixion?) and try and find some friends to journey through Lent with.

You may also like to join with us in Tearfunds 'Carbonfast' The resources are fantastic and will really help you keep focused and accountable. Why not use Lent this year to cry out to God for the worlds poorest people whose lives are being devastated by the effects of Climate Change?

The Carbon Fast is a 40-day journey towards a lighter carbon footprint, with simple energy saving actions each day. Actions include trying a day with no iPod, computer or mobile phone, being a part-time vegetarian, and turning out the lights and enjoying the ambience of a candlelit dinner.


So enjoy your pancakes. Feast today but don't forget to fast tomorrow.

Scot Bower

Scot Bower is married to the beautiful Misty and they have 2 children who are growing up way too fast. Scot and Misty have been part of 24-7 Prayer movement for longer than either of them can remember, they now live in Guildford, England where they help to lead the Emmaus Rd community. Scot is Chief Operating Officer at CSW - a Christian human rights organisation specialising in freedom of religion or belief around the world.

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