Last week my most significant Lenten exercise involved a pickup truck and a trip to the transfer station (we used to call it “going to the dump”). There are few inexpensive pleasures that match disposing of a pile of the “stuff” that has cluttered the furnace room and basement storage for years, moved around but never used, and not useful to anyone else. I just needed to decide to clean up.

As I sat in warmth and quiet to pray yesterday morning I was confused and conflicted. A week ago, our public spaces were filled with news about blockades and this week it is a horrible war – my mind was full of images of destruction and lines of displaced peoples.

As Willie Nelson finished a song his tour bus emerged from the curtains behind the Skydome stage. While his musicians continued to play, Willie moved toward the bus, walked in, the door closed, and the bus backed up behind the curtains. One of the best exits I have ever seen. We were in no doubt that the concert was over.

Can’t you just feel it? The sweet music of horns and protesters, politicians issuing one edict after another, most of us just trying to keep our heads down in our own groups - and find the appropriate card for our Valentine. It’s all so soothing and comforting to our ravaged souls.