I teach sixth and seventh grade Sunday school. Last winter, we discussed how we honor the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness with Lenten sacrifice. Some kids joked about giving up homework or talking to a sibling. But most had good ideas, like giving up their cell phone or taking on extra chores.
I gave up the Facebook app. I also wanted to add something. I was tired of seeing garbage in the beautiful creeks and woods in my neighborhood, so I decided to carry an extra plastic bag when I walked my dog to gather it up.
Ash Wednesday arrived, and I forgot my bag. I’ll have to come back, I thought. But just five minutes later, I saw a big kitchen garbage bag that was caught on some bushes ahead of me. It was not only a bigger bag than I’d originally planned to use but still folded and without holes.
That bag was almost full when I saw a pile of bottles in a creek, likely washed in by a storm. I guess I’ll bring a large bag tomorrow. Then I saw another bag—it too turned out to be just the right size.
On the way home, I thanked God for his sense of humor in getting Lent started off on the right foot. I never forgot a bag again.
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