Lent

A friend recently sent me a quote from a book she is reading for Lent.
Meal From Below by Dewey and Rocke

For some of us...Lent is upon us unbidden, whether we are ready or not--in ways that make giving up coffee or chocolate mockingly trite. We are already empty, the landscape is bleak and who needs reminders? Others of us are alright personally, but our calling brings us into regular proximity with the anguish of others...We have a simple but compelling invitation from the One who has so clearly "taken" and lavishly "blessed" us as his beloved: "Join me now in the wilderness. Taste now only dust  Learn with me what only hunger can teach. Pay attention to the empty regions you have busied yourself to ignore."

My friend and I both could and can relate to feeling our own callings/passions bringing us into regular proximity with others anguish, grief and struggles.

Sigh.
I choose this. I know. and sometimes i make myself so busy as to ignore some of this.