Lent is a time to remember
- Kyle Snyder: Live on Purpose
- March 22, 2025
- 399
“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.”
—Pope Francis
Every Sunday Stacey and I go to my parents for lunch. About two weeks ago, I noticed my mom had a cross of ash on her forehead. I said, “Oh yeah, Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday.” We talked for some time about the meaning of Lent, and her pastor encouraged the congregation to take time each day to remember what Christ did for us.
Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter, the day we remember the defeat of death. As Christians we need to forgive others just like Christ forgave us. It is a good reminder of what we all need most in this world. One church sign I pass most days reminds us love is not in the shape of a heart. It is in the shape of a cross. The great love of God is that he died in our place so we can live with him forever.
Even if we don’t celebrate Lent, it is still good to look back and remember where we have been. Remember the good times and even the bad times. Life is made up of peaks and valleys. Sometimes we are high on the mountaintop, and other times we are down low in the dark valley. Of course, no one likes to be in the valley, but valleys do serve a purpose. We can grow in the valley, but only if we choose to do so. Some of us are so bullheaded the only way we learn is in the valley. Of course, some of us always blame everyone else for everything in our lives. They may never get out of the valley alive.
I for one think we need to remember what we did to get on the mountaintop in the first place. We can be tempted to think things will never get better, but the law of averages states there will be more good days ahead. I love how Frankie Ballard put it: “Bad times make the good times better.” It always helps to take a break from social media. Studies show social media can increase depression.
What I love about this time of year is the days are getting longer and warmer. Instead of being inside on our social media, we can get outside and take a walk, call a friend and see if they will take a walk with us or have a picnic. I wonder if the reason social media can cause depression is we see other people living their lives. I think one of the cures is to get out and live our own lives.
The mountaintop is a great place to be. Unfortunately, we can’t live there. Too many of us worry about what is the next thing that is going to go wrong. That robs us of our joy. Some people think they are being smart by not getting their hopes up. Actually, what it does is prematurely start our descent into the valley. Our family wants us to be present with them, so don’t worry about what might happen. All that does is create fear and anxiety. Live and enjoy the moment. I give my consent.
Kyle Snyder can be emailed at kylesnyder86@yahoo.com.