This week has quite a few holidays and holy days.
Today is Lunar New Year, which marks the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar. In many Asian cultures Lunar New Year is a celebration of of welcoming in the new year, luck and prosperity and spending time with family.
Tomorrow Wednesday February 18th is the first day of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month-long spiritual practice of fasting during daylight hours, spending extra time reading the Qur'an, reciting special prayers, cultivating gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate. During the month the focus is on spiritual growth, strengthening faith, practicing patience, breaking bad habits, spending time with community and family.
Tomorrow is also Ash Wednesday, which marks a 40 day period of spiritual renewal for those of the Christian faith. People often spend the period of 40 days fasting or giving something up during the season of Lent in which people spend time in spiritual reflection, and repentance.
As we enter into this time of year of spiritual renewal and physical renewal. The season of spring will bring new physical growth. Take a moment to express gratitude and thankfulness for the people in your life and the bounty of nature around you.
A Scout is Reverent.