Deceiving Ourselves?

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -- Opening Sentence for Morning Prayer in Lent, BCP page 76
As I read the above sentence at the beginning of Morning Prayer this morning, I was reminded of all the times that I, as a child, denied to my parents that I had done something I wasn't supposed to do -- notwithstanding the obvious fact that I had done it. I was also reminded of the times my children did that to me. And if they are blessed with children some day, I suppose their children will do the same thing to them. It is in the nature of children to want to please their parents and to wish away the events that we think will not be pleasing.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the holy season in which we focus on coming clean before God. We do so not out of fear, but secure in the assurance that God knows all of our imperfections and failings, and loves us anyway. Our God "who sees in secret and hears in secret" (Mt 6) created us and loves us. We are reminded in the service for Ash Wednesday (BCP page 269) that God "desires not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn from their wickedness and live." God knows we have had our hands in the cookie jar -- and far worse -- and asks us to acknowledge our failures as the necessary first step to reconciliation and the sharing of the promise of the Resurrection on Easter day.
Your brother in Christ, Don+