It was Shrove Tuesday.  The church kitchen was overflowing with youth who were busy frying sausage, washing dishes and serving pancakes.  They were having a good time working together, talking with the people as they came through the line, and being silly as only a group of teens can be!

As the evening progressed, their conversations covered a wide array of topics – music, the winter Olympics, summer camp, and school.  One of the boys finally turned around from his station at the window and said:  So, what’s the big deal about Shrove Tuesday?  I just don’t get it. 

Now trying to reduce church history to five minutes, or less, is always challenging!  But, the question had been asked and it deserved an answer.  So, I tried to explain its historical significance and its relationship to Lent.  This, of course, raised a host of other questions concerning the meaning of this holy season.  We talked about how the spiritual practices that are used during Lent can help us improve our relationship with Christ and to strengthen the foundation of our faith. 

It was at this point another youth spoke up.  I still don’t get it, she said.  If Lent is that important, why doesn’t it make a bigger difference in people’s lives?  Don’t they believe what they say?

Oddly enough, she didn’t wait for an answer.  She just went back to collecting dirty dishes.  It was as if she didn’t want to be told the answer.  She is waiting for someone to show her with his or her life.   

I wonder are you willing be that person?