The last day of February this year marks the beginning of Lent. Many of us view the Lenten season as a time when we have to give up the things we most enjoy. It doesn't have to be like that. Lent can be a time of 'giving'. A time when we consider others instead of ourselves. Giving does not have to mean parting with money either. We can give by being more tolerant of others. We can give by practising patience. We can give by listening to others and learning their needs.

Lent is the time of year when we journey towards the Light of Christ - the celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. It is therefore a journey of enlightenment. As the days become longer and the hours of darkness are reduced, we are called to invite Christ our Light more fully into our lives, expelling all darkness from our souls.

We can do this by giving more time to God during Lent. Last month we spoke of prayer and how it can be a simple turning to the Lord - a second or two. The grace that can be gained in those few seconds is immeasureable. Let us turn to God more frequently as we approach Easter. Let us take the time throughout our busy day to make the sign of the Cross. By so doing, in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, we invite the Holy Trinity to embrace us. Just by a simple action, we place ourselves in the hands of God.

Time given to God is never wasted.