"Fat Tuesday"

A little background: Most of our stranger celebrations, like Mardi Gras, have religious roots. Fat Tuesday is one such day. It is the day before Lent and the period of preparation for Easter among Christians. In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting and repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection Jesus—his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.

During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.

Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent and the Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent. These practices developed by the church to help Christians adequately prepare for and worship Christ.

Having given you this background, Aunchalee and I went to a Cajun Restaurant to celebrate a little Fat Tuesday. Holy moly!!! The people in the restaurant must be getting ready for a big Lent, cause they were living up Fat Tuesday like it was their last Tuesday.

A few observations. People were very friendly. People enjoyed their time together. Sure they had a beer or a glass of wine--but they weren't rowdy. They were authentically enjoying the company of the others there. And nobody judged what the others were wearing, or saying, or laughing about. It was a nice experience. I enjoyed the beer. Aunchalee enjoyed the wine. The food was fair. We're still not used to being among civilians. It's Tuesday . . . but Lent is coming. And so is Jesus. As a matter of fact . . .

See ya around!