March 1
“Teach us to number our days aright that we
may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12
Ash Wednesday is upon us. The time each year that we set aside to reflect on the duplicity of our ever present mortality, coupled with the never ending mercies of God that grant us safe passage from the ashpit to the eternal hope we have in Christ. And so with both humility and hope we receive the ashes that mark the beginning of our 40 day journey to the cross, through the grave, and into the glorious light found Easter morning.
Why participate in Ash Wednesday? By participating in Ash Wednesday, you will begin the Lenten season with a solid commitment made with the strength of the community around you. A strong start makes it more probable you will finish strong!
In between the last of the Tato-nut Kingcake donuts, the final parades, and other fun & festive Mardi Gras celebrations, be thinking what you could give up for Lent?
What could you offer? A technology fast? Refrain from eating out as much?
But more importantly, ponder what you can "add" to fill the void created by your fast--
Read a scripture a day? Pray more? Commit to being in worship each Sunday of Lent? Forgive someone? Gather around your family's table more?
The entire point of "giving up" something or "adding something" is to make an intentional effort to draw closer to God as we focus on our 40 day journey to Easter morning.
God is not the one that moves away. As we seek to refocus our lives and center our hearts around Christ, God will be found. Our prayer is that this Lenten devotional guide will help you carve out some time for God and reap the benefits of a shared Lenten Journey.
Journeying with You,
Rev. MJ Kirby
