Let there be Lent

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a religious person.  I was raised Anglican, but I never had any concept of God or after life or miracles.  Just the way I was, always surprised when people around me had faith, or believed.  I didn't resent it, I just didn't have it.  Until I found horses I did go to church every Sunday with my parents.  I had lots of friends in Sunday School.  I knew everyone in the congregation.  I knew and loved my bible stories.  Church was a big part of my social life as a youngster.  But when horses came into my life my parents said I could make up my own mind about what I wanted to do with my Sundays.  I chose horses, the stable and riding.

Now that didn't mean that I could erase parts of my religous up bringing.  I think it's important to help others.  I follow most of the ten commandments, at least the ones that leave out God as I have no concept of God so hard to follow what I don't get.  And I'm big on the golden rule,   "Do unto others a you would have them do unto you"...I like that one because it usually stops me from seeking revenge.  I'd never want me as an enemy, so the Golden Rule has kept me out of a lot of trouble.

Time to get to the point of this blog, why blather on about my lack of religious beliefs.  I lack faith, but I can't erase my upbringing.  I celebrate Christmas and Easter. I also feel that it's important from time to time to do without something I'm rather fond of, which brings me to Lent.  The days between Shrove Tuesday (pancake day) and Easter Sunday.  As a kid I gave something up during Lent just because it was Lent.  Now I like to give something up every once in a while just to remind myself how very lucky I am.  So, this year after eating my stack of pancakes I decided that living the life of a couch potato was something that I should give up for Lent.  I have been spending too much time inside watching things on the tv this winter.  So the deal for the next 6 and a half weeks the only way I can watch tv is if I've gone to the gym and have ridden a horse, or worked in the barn for at least 2 hours.  

So to kick off Lent today I spent an hour shoveling shavings into bags at Lanark Cedar.  Then back home to do stalls and put away shavings another hour.  Then off to the gym for 5k on the treadmill.  I have to say all this is made easier by the weather today.  A balmy -10 degrees out.  Who would ever think that -10 would be a lovely day.    Oh well it's just day Easter Sunday is a long way off yet.