February 20

Click here for today's Forward Day by Day readings: Forward Day by Day

In the reading from Hebrews, we get a pretty strong reminder: "Take care, brothers and sisters, that none of you may have an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." Translated for the purposes of this blog: "Don't be Dr. Eeeeevil...Don't turn away from God thinking he hasn't provided you with every strength you'll need to honor Him. Don't fall into the trap of disbelief that you are ill-prepared."

I have fanny packs on my brain today. If I had one, I'd  pull another shtick-ish Lenten move and wear it around for the next 40 days. It would be my desire to have a stylish fanny pack. Maybe a designer one:

Or a colorful one:

Or maybe even...a bejazzled one:

Isn't that the way we all role? Always looking for something that exhibits who we are on the inside? When all the while, it's what's on the inside...our personal strengths and tools and beauty...that's really important.

So back to the fanny pack thought: Imagine wearing one, whatever style you like, all throughout the day and night. Imagine that it's stocked with absolutely anything and everything you could  possibly ever need to fulfill your daily tasks. How great would that be? Forget fumbling around in your purse or not being prepared. You'd be perpetually ready. Now imagine how that would FEEL. Heavy maybe. Bulky. Jingly. Fat.

This Lent, as we ponder bags and the strengths God gives us, imagine that you're wearing a fanny pack around day and night. A FULL fanny pack. I mean, visualize that...phantom feel that. And then the next time (and yes, there will be a next time...probably within the next 10 minutes) you face a challenge, put your hands on your hips and remind yourself of that faux fanny pack. Remind yourself that there's no need to worry. God's got you covered.