Lent Day 9, Thursday, February 26, 2026

“Read a Fairy Tale”

Today’s Lenten challenge may surprise you. Read a fairy tale.

It happens to be National Tell a Fairy Tale Day, and considering our Lenten theme is Dream Again, this fits beautifully, especially if you are feeling stuck or discouraged.

What is a fairy tale? At its core, it is a story that carries a moral lesson. As the plot unfolds, tension builds, characters struggle, and by the end, a deeper truth becomes clear.

If you think fairy tales are only for children, think again. Some of the earliest known fairy tales date back thousands of years. One ancient story often referenced is “The Smith and the Devil,” a tale about a blacksmith who makes a deal with the devil and then cleverly outwits him to save his soul. That is not exactly a light bedtime story.

Fairy tales endure because they engage the imagination. They place us inside the story. We become the hero climbing the beanstalk. We feel the fear of the dark forest. We experience the triumph at the end. In doing so, we remember that struggle and hope often live side by side.

Thinking about some options?  “Jack and the Beanstalk” connects with the Chapel’s 2026 Lenten theme, “Dream Again.”   A tiny seed grows into something unexpected and towering. Growth begins small, but it does not remain small.  Other great ones include “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Snow White,” and “The Ugly Duckling.”  But I’m sure you have your own favorites from which to choose.

When was the last time you read a fairy tale?  Today, give yourself permission to enter a story. Let your imagination stretch a bit. Allow a simple narrative to remind you that challenges can be overcome and that good can emerge from difficulty.

If your week has been heavy, this might be just what you need.

Read a fairy tale. Dream a little.

“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!  And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.  If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.  Embrace her, and she will honor you.”  (Proverbs 4:7-8, NLT)