Thoughts on Mardi Gras

Today, just a thought on what today is. Today is Fat Tuesday, or as its known more commonly, Mardi Gras.  Today is the last day of celebration before the beginning of Lent, which starts tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. We'll talk more about Lent tomorrow. But, I will encourage you to be thinking today about what you might like to "give up" during Lent.  Its tradition to sacrifice something during lent to remember the sacrifice that Jesus endured for our sake on the cross.  Some give up sweets. Others, Coke.  Some that are really dedicated/crazy give up coffee. 

I'm not that strong. 

But, today is the last day of celebration before the fasting starts. That's where Mardi Gras comes from.  It actually has religious overtones.  

Part of life is enjoying life.  Living a joyous life.  A life full of grace.  I really think the world has enough stern, judgmental  Christians.  It has enough Christians ready to look down noses upon the frailty and mistakes of others. 

What the world needs today is more grace.  More mercy.  More compassion.  More hope.  More life. More love. 

So, today, celebrate.  Live with abandon. Grad this day by the horns and drag every ounce of life out of it.  Today, live.  Live fully.  Live in abundance. 

No matter if you stuck behind a desk, on the road, digging a ditch. 

LIVE.  

You have been given this day by God.  Make the most of it.