Ash Wednesday has already done me a favor — it’s held off until after Valentine’s Day. I’ve not had my fill of chocolate, because I doubt that’s possible, but I’ve had enough to satisfy.

Today I’ll focus on the hopeful aspect of Lent, the fact that the word itself is derived from the Old English lencten or lengthen. Days are growing longer and lighter. Spring is coming.

Lent, like Advent, is a preparatory season. It’s a time to firm up, whittle down, strengthen the spiritual fibers that hold us (or at least me) together.

Since Lent has done me a favor. I’ll do it one, too. I’ll try to heed its call of growth.