I Missed Shrove Tuesday . . .

My Bible and notebook were set aside for thoughtfully engaging Shrove Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras) is a day of self-examination. James Kiefer says “many Christians make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with. Often they consult on these matters with a spiritual counselor, or receive shrift.”

To receive shrift is the act of being shriven. That old English is not too helpful.

Kiefer says in modern English ,  “To shrive someone is to hear his acknowledgment of his sins, to assure him of God’s forgiveness, and to give him appropriate spiritual advice.”

The pancake mix and lemons were on the counter waiting to be mixed with fat, butter and eggs, all foods forbidden during Lent. Click here for why.

But before I knew it, the day was over.