In her book, Breaking Down Vonnegut, Julia Whitehead gives the reader a glimpse into Vonnegut’s childhood. His early childhood appears idyllic, playing with his siblings, trips to the summer cottage, and being cared for by the family cook. But in the background, there was the hardship of the Great Depression, financial struggles, his parents' troubles, and his mother's mental illness. Clearly these experiences influenced Vonnegut's writing and worldview. This Sunday, we will consider how looking back and reflecting on the past impacts how we experience the present and how we think about and move into our future. As we continue on the Lenten journey, we will explore how we learn from the people who raised us, the people around us and how our relationships impact the faith journey. How can we build a life on a faith we that will withstand the tests that will come?