This is a book about hope, which the author argues is central to the meaning of Lent and in turn of Easter. Hope, which is quite different from optimism, is the most precious spiritual gift. We are surrounded by so many unfortunates, so many desolate, unhappy, hurting people. They need hope. This hope is not simply confidence in the future, but confidence that the past, present and future are held in God's hands and that God, in his providence, never abandons us.Hope means to take the next step on the untidy human journey as we discern the 'footprints of God in creation'. Hope is the realistic way of perceiving the scope of our real human possibilities. It implies courage and patience, accepting the things that we cannot change, living constructively in the face of disappointment and discouragement.In this way, the reader discovers a new deeper meaning to Lent - far beyond giving up chocolate and self-flagellation.It is an entirely original approach to Lent.