I went back and read the article again, too. Thank you so much for posting the link. I enjoyed what it said about how Lent should be a time of joy and excitement. It makes perfect sense to me, although, from the outside, it might seem that Lent should be a “sad” season. I’m not sure if I’m expressing this correctly or in a way that makes any sense. Sorry about that.

I was raised in a Protestant denomination / faith (Baptist), and we never celebrated Lent. I love the idea of discipline and sacrifice bringing me closer to God and to the joy in my own heart. I feel that Lent (as Advent did, during the Christmas season) will bring a much deeper and more beautiful meaning to my faith and worship. So, I am definitely approaching it with a joyful heart and spirit.

Thank you again for your kind comment and for your prayers. And, also, for your wonderful blog! I’m so happy to have found it.

And yes, JOY is totally acceptable! In the article, this is what he said:

Season of joy

Lent is a time of sacrifice and discipline, but it should not be a time of sadness. Instead it should be a season of great joy. The first Preface for the Mass in Lent clearly reminds us of this:

For by your gracious gift each year
your faithful await the sacred paschal feasts
with the joy of minds made pure.

As Christians we are stirring up our faith and love for God and each other so that, on Easter, we are ready to meet the risen Lord refreshed and restored.