This short meditation was preached on Ash Wednesday, 2021 @ Unity Moravian Church in Lewisville, NC. This was a difficult season for many who had experienced a difficult time dealing with Covid-19 and its havoc on our community and our world. Through a New Testament text in the Gospel of Matthew, we considered some very odd gifts that are given to us by God through this unique season of Lent.  If you have thoughts or feedback on this or any other Next Step messages, feel free to reach out to me @ [email protected].