I Have My Own Pace Car

Today is Ash Wednesday, which begins a liturgical season that I am quite fond of. My idea of Lent involves the classic self-examination, self-improvement, and the conscious practice of trying and striving to connect to the life and love force of God.

There I said it: God.

And I also have said enough to indicate my traditional training.

But I probably have never said 'good time,' in regard to Lent.

So here it is: 'Lent is a good time for me.'

The weather broke this week. I am back to light clothing, longer walks, and wet feet.
The snow is pitted, and weak. It is crunching yet, but sloppy by mid-afternoon. The ice started changing color two days ago. White to gray. This morning the gray had deepened its cast. There is a large hole open under a bridge. There is a spring there that has thinned and eroded the ice.

I have a friend for the dog walks. He hates going with T.T.Marie, because she will not walk faster than three inches at a time. This is extremely slow and does not meld well with all the long legs of the other participants. I have turned to locate her, three million times. I have waited for her ten million times. I have called her to, 'hurry up,' sixteen million times.

For Lent, I am going to walk with T.T. Marie, three inches at a time.

As of this morning I am looking at what I generally pass by. I am seeing and resting on the large vista. I am listening for the dripping water, off the branches. I am watching a man ice fish in a summer chair, dog at side, intensely focused on the line in the hole. I am praying the long prayer for myself and others. I am holding tension against my stride and my desire. I am restraining myself in a way that is not natural for me. I took some extra time this morning. To accomodate this Lenten practice, I rolled out earlier. I have decided to change my pace and see who I am at a different pace, and what comes from 'slow.'

So far, one walk accomplished at the-three-inches-at-a-time-motor-method.

All I have to report is: 'good time.'