Not Having But Appreciating

18th February 2026

This week we begin the journey through Lent. To me, Lent is a significant marker on the unfolding of the year. It calls me to reflection, to remembering, and to refocussing. Usually, I try to give up something to help me in the process of reflection, remembering, and refocussing. This year, I have decided on a different course, for I recently came across a quote by the German philosopher, Josef Pieper. He says,
                     It’s not having which brings great joy, but appreciating.
The quote caught my attention, and as I have pondered on it, it has drawn me to reflect on many areas of my life. So, I would like to focus this Lent on appreciating, and not on having. For me, this brings a sense of letting go, of letting be, and appreciating all that I have and even what I don’t have; appreciating people, appreciating gifts, and time, and gardens, and life, and all that I encounter each day. May you this week, also find great joy in appreciating. May you as well, in your journey through Lent, find your own focus which draws you to reflect, to remember, and to nurture your soul.


Brian Holliday  
Anam Cara for the Guiding Committee  
                                                                                                                          Photo by John Clapton