An e-devotion I read spoke of how our image of God affects the way we relate to God. Each of us carries an image of God. If that image is of a loving parent, we turn to God for comfort and advise. If that image is of a tyrant, we do all we can to avoid the wrath.
The way we approach Shrove Tuesday may also reveal to us the image we have of God. Is this "one last day to do all the things we can't do once Lent begins"? Such an attitude might reveal an image of God as one who robs us of our fun and pleasure. If we look on this day as the day when we must clear away all that would impede the start of a special time with God, perhaps we see God as a welcomed guest.
It seems not to be healthy, to one's faith nor to one's life, to think of God as one who prevents us from having fun or doing the things everyone else gets to do. If we think of the Christian life as a life denied of this pleasure or that activity we are probably operating out an image of God as overbearing parent.
Yes - Jesus calls us to sacrifice. Jesus calls upon us to give. And Jesus warns us that the way is narrow. But all that is true in the same way that Archie Manning came to be the MVP of the Super Bowl. Singularity of purpose means setting aside those things which would stand between us and a goal which we desire. I don't think Manning complains about hours in the gym or tossing a football.
There are things which are not part of my life. Some folks consider those things to be "fun." But in removing those things from my life, I have found a joy which far surpasses any missed immediate gratification.
On Shrove Tuesday, i am not making one last run of it; I am sweeping out of my house those things which would make it more difficult for Christ to arrive.
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