Soul Sustenance: Lent

Last Wednesday marked the start of Lent, a Christian time of remembrance of the suffering of Christ leading up to Easter. Christians celebrate Lent in different ways; some fast, some become more meditative, some go to church more often, and some do just about nothing.

But the idea of Lent has applications to Christians and non-Christians alike. Easter is a great holiday, but to me it's all the more meaningful because of the sacrifice and sorrow that comes first. Likewise, things that make your soul rejoice, regardless of your faith tradition, tend to seem even sweeter in comparison with prior sorrows.

I'm not saying you should necessarily be happy if you're suffering - obviously human nature is to avoid suffering. But when things don't go the way you want them to, try to look at it as a way to make you appreciate what is working.

Weekly Review

It was a lighter week this week, but still pretty good.

Regular savings - $25 - low-volume garbage, line drying, cloth diapers, one car
Amazon.com gift cards - Campbell's Community ($15) and Valued Opinions ($40)
Cash - $100 - sale of an old camera
Check - Part-time job ($66.25), Freelance music ($70), Reservation Rewards ($10), Shoppers Discounts & Rewards ($25)
Free products and samples - $4 - Gerber spoon, Quaker True Delights granola bar, Carefree liners, Stayfree liners
Magazines - $26.50 - American Photo, US News & World Report, Parenting Early Years, Country Home, Smithsonian, Saveur
Savings - Amazon.com ($143; spent $136 - savings of 51%) and Target ($7.50; spent $37.25 - savings of 17%)

Total saved/earned: $583.75