Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lent season. Lent is a forty-day journey of the soul that asks us to reflect, repent, and prepare for the joy of Easter. This season reminds us of the fragility of human life by invoking Genesis 3:19 when God told Adam, “For dust you are and to dust you shall return.” Hope comes in the assurance that we are children of the Resurrection.
Because we are made of dust, we are connected in a fundamental and precious way. Each of us face the thought of our own human fragility. Because of this connection, we are also united in our need for God’s transforming power in our lives and our souls. God is guiding us through our wilderness. God is offering us a hand in our valleys. God is calling us to turn away from the things in life that separate us from a deep and beautiful relationship with God.
Yes, this life is fragile. It is also beautiful. Each day is a gift to be celebrated, cherished, and appreciated. Especially the days that feel hard or heavy because they open our hearts to seek God’s glory. They remind us that though we may feel alone, we are never alone because God is always with us.
What can you set aside this Lenten season that may help deepen your relationship with God? What is taking away your focus from enriching your faith through prayer, fasting, meditation, service in mission work, or other ways that calm your spirit and feed your soul?
Ashes will be offered on Wednesday night at 5:30 in the sanctuary. We will have a short service and then ashes will be dispensed as an outward sign of our creation by a God who loves us, the fragility of our human lives, and as a reminder that we are forgiven and loved by God.
All glory and honor is yours, Lord, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Amber
