40

I love my little desk. It’s nuances and memorabilia always winking at me. This time of the year, as I see the sun come across my desk earlier each morning, I’m teased by the Hope of Spring.

I love spring. So many reasons - many of them tethered to my childhood - but traversing time to meet me anew each March. As spring approaches, I’m reminded deeply and fondly of the Season leading up to Easter Sunday. The Lenten Season - 40 days and 40 nights.

The number 40 in the Bible signifies a time of testing.

As most know from the challenges of the past couple of years, the word quarantine is a derivative of the number 40 (implying isolation) - testing affirmed...

But, as most testing does, it shows us what we’re made of. What really pulsates through us - body, mind and soul.

Which brings me (somewhat) to my point. This Wednesday, is Ash Wednesday. The beginning of the 40 day Lenten period; time of reflection and preparation for Easter Sunday.

And it’s the beginning of our One for the Cupboard walks to the Food Pantry - for 40 days.

This year we will begin our 6th year of collecting and delivering monetary gifts, food and personal care items to our local food pantry that graciously cares for the needs of others in and around our area.

This year our walks will begin at 8:15 am (from Cornersmiths - 1 S. High St, Canal Winchester) and go to 80 Covenant Way. It’s about .6 miles each way - and we go rain, sleet, snow and shine; and would love to have you join us as we carry our collections (and conversations) each morning.

We walk everyday but Sundays...and our last day will Saturday, April 16th.

One for the Cupboard was inspired by the handiwork of my most dynamic mother. She, the eldest of four children of immigrant parents, never rode a bike, never swam or learned to drive a car- had only an 8th grade education - had the wing-span of a 747. A tiny person who fostered and pursued meaningful relationships with nearly every person she encountered. She could cook like no other - and nourished every soul she could. No one ever left her side hungry for food or advice.

My mother’s last name was Quaranta(o)...Italian for the number 40.

Tested she was - persevere she did - leaving a testimonial legacy of the power of 1 she continues to do.

Please consider joining in our daily walks - or contributing to Canal Winchester Human Services - One (only 1) dollar or item at a time.

We certainly don’t have to look far to see how quickly life can change - and how at one moment we can be the giver and next the receiver. I pray with encouragement and hopefulness that this Season brings not only 40 days of testing but, also, the bountiful Hope of Spring...