Even though Ash Wednesday and Lent are a sobering time in the church calendar, I have always appreciated the emphasis on our human condition and frailty. This is the broken world and people Christ came to and lived among.
Last year I attended my first Shrove Tuesday dinner and gave up desserts during Lent. Both were so meaningful, and I plan on doing both again. I also find it so impactful to attend Ash Wednesday service and have another human look me in the eyes as they put the ashes on my forehead and say, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Do you observe Lent by fasting? What do you give up? Here is a very interesting article on the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting.