The idea of Lent is that you give up something so that you can grow closer to God. When you go without something, you come to appreciate it. If you are young in America today, Lent may be the only time of year when you are not spoiled. It’s more than being grateful and humble and more about knowing how much we need God.

This morning I had trouble sleeping because my foam pad is getting thin. It started out as thick as a fluffy pancake, and now it’s thin as a tortilla. I’ve had these pillows for four years, and they are almost as flat. It’s becoming easier to wake up because my sleep isn’t as deep.

I came inside at seven, then fell on my bed. Oh wow…this thing is soft! Loving your bed is nothing new. Most people have an emotional connection to their bed because it’s a happy place where the worries of your day disappear. Although I do enjoy sleeping outside, I do miss the comfort of my bedroom. But that’s what Lent is all about.