on the Eve of Ash Wednesday

"Chaplain, you have dirt on your face”! a nurse exclaimed, as I came back on the floor from a noon-day service in the chapel. Quickly, other people at the nurse’s station corrected her, "those are ashes! It’s Ash Wednesday.”

I was working as a chaplain in a large regional hospital. There were many Christian practices and other faith traditions throughout the hospital. A day could be filled with moments where traditions and faith were shared and/or explained. Sometimes with surprise and humor. This story became its own tradition- we would not get past another Ash Wednesday without being reminded of that nurse's surprise. That nurse would always remember why I carried ashes on my face one day of the year.

Here we are again - on the eve of Ash Wednesday. This is a time when I often find myself in grateful reflection. Another year has passed and I am reminded of our reason for gathering tomorrow.

With ash (like black soot) on our finger tips, we will look into the faces of strangers and friends, children and adults, and draw a sign of the cross on their foreheads. Each person will be reminded of where they came and where they will return.

Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.

This is not a time for the faint of heart. We are called to face our vulnerable, and brief presence on this earth. Each time these words are spoken, I find myself moved by the reality of our fragile nature.

With ash on our foreheads, we embark on this year's Lent. There will be work to do and choices to be made. The next 40 days are filled with opportunity to remove some of the distractions in our daily lives. Making room and space to listen and pray.

In that space may we know the presence of God - hands reaching out, palms open, gently cradling us as His beloved.

Blessings this Lent.