Lent #1 A Time for Inventories

Flamingos, Big Eye Mackerels, and Spanish Lobsters

During this first week of Lent I suggest that we take the time to write an inventory of “gratefulness.” I was reminded of this during my diving excursion to Bonaire where I saw three “firsts” in my oceanic career:

First (above the water), a stunning flock of Caribbean pink flamingos flying in a V formation directly across our dive boat—a beautiful picture of pencil like birds streaking across the sky with purpose and design. Never have I seen such a sight! It cast me back to a memory of white Trumpeter swans flying over me on the beach at Sandbanks Park and hearing their powerful wing strokes.

Second, in the water at the end of a dive, a massive “bait ball” of swiftly swimming Big Eye Mackerel appeared out of nowhere (in the formation of a spherical ball), yelling out their “hello!” and then just as quickly screamed off!

Third, while swimming across the reef, I came across a Spanish lobster with its unspectacular flat top visage. Looking at it one would never imagine it was a type of lobster. It’s a bit rare to see but apparently very tasty to eat if someone is so inclined.

All three finds were utterly new to me in my 30-plus years of underwater exploration. Caribbean flamingos, Big Eyed Mackerels, and Spanish lobsters. All are serendipitous wonders that continue to emerge in God’s subaqueous world.

How about you? What would you like to give thanks for during this burgeoning time of Lent? What does your gratitude inventory include? Be specific. Write it down. Give thanks to our beautiful God for all of the blessings that are happening in your life right now. Don’t delay. Grab your journal and jump right in!

The author Robert Morneau encourages us to move in this direction when he reminds us:

Our providential God pours out countless blessings upon creation. Taking nothing for granted is a challenge for everyone. Joyous thanksgiving is a goal of Christian living.

God, always taking the initiative, continually reaches out into our lives, seeking to bring us to peace and fullness of life. (Robert Morneau, Ashes to Easter).

Together let’s begin this Season of Lent with a litany of praise and thanksgiving.