Lenten goals can apply to many of us

Different religions may have different traditions, but perhaps the most recognizable to many people is the day Christians receive ashes on their forehead. It is the start to the Lenten season—a 40-day time to reflect on Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection.
In southern Louisiana there is a large percentage of Catholics, which is among the denominations that practice the Lenten season, as do Methodists, Lutherans and several other Christian groups.
Here in Slidell, we not only watched as the ashes appeared the day after Mardi Gras—something a bit ironic in itself to non-Christians—but we also will have our pick of the Friday fish frys at many churches from now until Easter weekend, April 9.
The Lenten season is a reflection of what many Christians strive to achieve in their daily life, actually throughout the entire year.
Why do we go to church? Why do we have special holidays that encourage us to re-think and re-dedicate ourselves to the Christian values we hold onto?
It is because the human flesh is weak and needs reminding, motivation and an extra push to follow the Christian values that are taught in the Bible.
It’s not that we don’t want to live a Christian life, but the pressures of the world can be challenging for anyone, and a reminder to re-think and meditate on those values is always a good thing.
After all, what do most people think about when considering “Christian values?”
Whether you are a non-believer, atheist or committed Christian, it is hard not to agree on one main teaching that is at the heart of those beliefs—it is to be a better person to your fellow man, seek to bless others with whatever God has blessed you with, and start every day with an intent to do good for others when you see that opportunity. It can be as simple as giving a co-worker a hug to show a little love for no special reason.
It is hard to understand why non-believers fight so hard to take God out of our schools, and much of the world we live in now. The heart of Christian teaching, when considering most every denomination, is to do good to others. Why would that not be encouraged and supported?
And it is that reason the Lenten season, whether you are Catholic or not, is a good thing.
Anything that encourages us to be a better person, and think of others rather than ourselves, is something we could use more of in this world on any day.