Shrove Tuesday

To shrive is
to hear one’s confession
and to impose penance
and to forgive.
All of them.

Before Lent even begins
God has heard your sorrow and regret
and you already know what you need to do
and now—before all else—
you are forgiven.

The Beloved whispers to you
every morning,
“I know you are broken.
There is a way forward.
I will love you no matter what.”