Thought for the Week

My gran had a griddle and we would make pancakes almost every week.

I remember her mixing the batter and dropping the spoonfuls into the pan, four at a time. Then we’d watch for the bubbles and flip them over before transferring them onto a clean dish towel and covering them to keep them warm.

Once they were all made, she would make a pot of tea and we would sit with our mugs of tea and fresh pancakes with butter and jam.

This memory came to me as I was thinking about this column and what I might write. Lent begins for Christians this coming week, on Ash Wednesday, but many people, religious or not, will celebrate Pancake Tuesday.

It’s a great excuse to bake with children and grandchildren. Baking with my gran was a highlight of my childhood.

Lent wasn’t really observed by my family or church tradition when I was young, however, later, it became more popular and many people in my tradition now observe the six weeks of Lent.

For many people, it’s a chance to give up sweets or chocolate – I never managed that one!

In recent years, I have given up giving something up and instead take on something. Often I read a book specific to Lent or I try to do an act of random kindness each day of Lent.

I wonder what memories you have of Pancake Tuesday or Lent?

Jesus, who becomes our focus during Lent, loved to gather with people and share food with them.

There isn’t much beats gathering together over food; maybe this year you’ll organise a pancake party!

Mmh, where did I put that flour?

Reverend Lyn Peden, Church of Scotland, Skipness linked with Tarbert

Loch Fyne and Kilberry.