Ash Wednesday

Yet even now, says the Lord,
   return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
   rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
   for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
(Joel 2:12-13)

Today is Ash Wednesday. This day is marked by a service that begins the season of Lent. The Ash Wednesday service focuses on the brevity of life and reminds us that we came from dust and to dust we shall return. This season reminds us of the reality that life is short, risky business, and no one makes it out alive. While this is a gloomy thought indeed, it is good for the soul to embrace this reality. This life is short. Every day is a gift. Salvation from death is something we all desire. There is more beauty and brevity to this life than we realize.

We are a busy people. It is easy to forget who we are in the midst of daily routines. Here’s the simple truth. You are God’s beloved child. Despite your best efforts of self-sufficiency, you rely completely on God’s grace and guidance each and every day. You were created to do so. These are easy truths to forget in the busy-ness of our daily lives.

Tonight, let us join together for our Ash Wednesday Service as we prepare for the promise of Easter.

See you Sunday!
Missy