Carnival

On this Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, my spiritual readings pointed to the conundrum of life here in the Kingdom as I prepare for my 40 days in the wilderness with our Lord.  I think that both need pondering and a balance sought.

First we hear from the book of Wisdom  -

Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the full as in youth.  Let us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass us by.  Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither.  Let none of us fail to share in our revelry; because this is our portion, and this our lot.  Wisdom 2.6-9

And then St. Paul cautions us -

You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4.22-24

I am reminded immediately of Proverbs 1 and 2 where we encounter both sides of this issue.  We hear from Lady Wisdom who speaks to us and warns us away from the "adventuress, "  Lady Folly, whose house sinks down to death and her paths to the shades.  Rather, Lady Wisdom offers us silver and hidden treasures.  She builds up her house, while Lady Folly tears her house down with her own hands.  Each attempts to entice us on a different path.  Lady Wisdom to the path of life and Lady folly to the path of destruction.

So my path into the wilderness this year begins with a fork in the road.  Which path will I take?