I used to find it odd when people would say “Happy Lent” at the start of the 40 days of Lent. It seemed strange to approach a season of repentance with excitement.
While I’m still certainly growing in my perspective about this season of Lent, I understand better now that we can and should actually look forward to Lent. It is a chance to evaluate where we are at and how we can make improvements; we can be glad to have a dedicated time for a pursuing renewed conversion.
In the same way, I think this posture is appropriate for care of creation as well. There doesn’t seem to be much “happy” about taking small actions for the environment when we also recognize how disconnected in many ways we (as individuals and society) are to the environment. Yet, we can decide to approach the call to care for creation with an attitude of continual conversion, seeking to improve ourselves, help those around us do the same. And, hopefully in the process, we grow closer to God.
So, happy Lent and happy caring for creation!