First, Catholics are not the only ones who get ashes today, so don't assume that every who has ashes on their face is indeed catholic. Second, today of all days do not go up to someone and try to wipe their face off. (You shouldn't be doing that anyways, but if you needed the reminder to restrain yourself there you go).
This is the second year in my lifetime that I haven't been in a Catholic school surrounded by a sea of people with ash blobs on their faces. It's a very strange thing going from an environment like that where everyone has ashes every year no question, to now going to a campus of almost 30,000 where most people end up forgetting Ash Wednesday. I'll probably only see a handful of people with ashes on their forehead today.
Today is not only Ash Wednesday (or Valentines Day), it is also the first day of Lent. Lent is the period preceding Easter in which one practices fasting, abstinence, penitence and prayer. Lent is meant to prepare for the miracle that is Easter.
There are always good things that people come up with to give up or something new to improve their lifestyle.
Giving up your favorite food, or soda
Going to church twice a week
Going to a soup kitchen or serving the poor once a week
Getting rid of one thing every day of lent
Starting a new devotional
Reading part of the Bible
I usually choose to give up french fries, chocolate, donuts, or whatever my favorite food of the moment is. As I've gotten older I realize that instead of preparing me and making me think more about our Lord and his undying love for us it really just makes me cranky. This year I am instead choosing a more positive route and I am going to read a devotional and write a reflection or letter in it every day of Lent. This year I am choosing to grow my relationship with the Lord.
What are you going to do for lent this year?
Remember you can always add onto your lenten promise.
Happy Ash Wednesday...sending {Suzey} sunshine your way..xoxo
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