Ash Wednesday

Today is the first day of Lent: Ash Wednesday.

I didn't grow up celebrating Ash Wednesday (or Lent for that matter), so my experience is limited the last few years. In fact, I'd love to read some your insights on Ash Wednesday, so leave some comments if you have experiences, thought to share.

Traditionally, some churches (Catholic and other “High Church” denominations) have Ash Wednesday services. Some people go to confession and also vow to “abstain” from something until Easter (often food-related). The priest marks their forehead with ash as a symbol of their commitment. Ashes are an ancient symbol of repentance (sackcloth and ashes). They also remind us of our mortality ("remember that you are dust")

So if you see someone with a smudge on their forehead today, do not say, “Hey, you've got something smeared on your face.”

From Bread and Wine, Readings for Easter and Lent 

"Lent is traditionally associated with penitence, fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. It is a time for “giving things up” balanced by “giving to” those in need... It is time to let go of excuses for failings and shortcomings; a time to stop hanging on to whatever shreds of goodness we perceive in ourselves; a time to ask God to show us what we really look like.”

Personally, I have never given one specific thing up for Lent. I've looked at it more as of a period of time to ask God to reveal areas of my life that need to be purified. I ask God what needs to be corrected. So, for me, there may be more than one area of “giving up and giving over” to God. And frankly, some of those areas don't always fall under a tangible thing I can give up. They may be a little more qualitative: attitudes, thought-processes, etc. Other times, instead of something that needs to be given up, it may be something that I need to add to my personal life.

Before beginning his ministry Jesus went away for 40 days in the desert. We, too may need “40 days” to become more effective in the ministry God has given us. Namely, our families and children. There may be some things impeding our effectiveness and impact of mothers. And, let's be honest: If there's something there, our kids are going to be the first to see it and be effected by it.

To me, Ash Wednesday means "He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

As far as beginning Lent preparations with my preschoolers, I tend to hold off until about the first of March. That's when I bring out our spring/Easter books, decorations, toys, etc. But, for me, I've been begun reading my Lent book and reflection on Christ's great sacrifice.

Comments

[Caroline Perez]

Janna- Thanks so much for the encouraging words about Lent. I especially feel convicted about becoming more effective in my ministry to my family and children. I look forward to future posts during this season. -Caroline