Lenten Changes - Mary Beth Kohler
Every Lent for the past 4-5 years, I have “paid it forward” during Lent. Any time I go through a drive-through for coffee or whatever, I also pay for the person behind me. This year, due to many paying online, it was sometimes difficult to actually pay for someone. But I came upon a solution while driving through the Duncan Donuts. I happened to see someone sitting on the bench in front with their belongings around them. When I got to the window, I asked about him. “He’s homeless and comes here most mornings—we let him use the bathroom.” That morning I purchased his breakfast as part of my pay-it-forward. And just like that, I looked differently at my Lenten practice!
I would purchase breakfast for that person any time he was in front of the store. Or I would purchase a gift card to hand out.
Sometimes, I am not satisfied with these little steps. I feel like I should be doing more, bigger things—that this is not enough. I have to remind myself that little steps can make a difference too. They also can lead to bigger steps. It all starts with being aware and being present.
And this little change reminded me of all those who are underserved and vulnerable, and I try to look for opportunities to be present with them.
