Short Shrift

Today is Shrove Tuesday, also known as National Pancake Day. Don't worry if you don't know much about it and don't celebrate it. Is is an English holiday. It is a day where Christians are to examine their lives and see what they need to change. Shrove is to shrive, or to take counsel with a spiritual advisor to help you in what you need to change. To get short shrift is to get a counselor that will not pay attention to your excuses. It doesn't mean that they don't help you. In fact, short shrift may be just what a person needs. I know that I often get too defensive and, at least in my mind, have excuses for my bad moods, my lack of devotion, all of my way too many shortcomings. I need someone to cut through the excuses and give me good shrift, or advice. I like the idea of Shrove Tuesday and will be spending some time today examining my own walk and hopefully getting some short shrift. Where do the pancakes come in? Well, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and Christians used to put away all fat during the Lenten season. Some also gave up dairy. Thrifty housewives made pancakes to use up the dairy and fat in the house before the fasting of Lent. Come to think of it, I could use a lot less fat also. In our family, we each give up something we love for the season of Lent, to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ. Then, on Easter, we joyfully get it back celebrating the ressurection. My girls, especially Karly, love this practice and will be busy contemplating what they will want to give up for Lent. I have not yet decided, but I know it will be something I love on at least an almost daily basis. In the past I have given up chocolate, caffeine, television, movies,etc. You get the idea. It is a good thing and reminds us of just how spoiled we are by our heavenly Father and just how much He sacrifice for us.