As we begin the Lenten season, I am drawn to the words that have swirled around in my head the past couple of months. They may look like just a lot of words, but words shape us, and hold power, vision, hope, and so much more.
Repentance.....renewal..........restoration........regeneration.........revitalize.......rebirth...reflection.
Ash Wednesday is observed today in some denominations. It holds importance for us as Lutherans as it signifies the beginning of Lent. Joel and I have graced the doors of many different denominational churches and we say often to ourselves, "Lutherans know how to do Lent".
It always begins for me with repentance, then moves into renewal. Certainly, reflection that brings about renewal. It is a time to let go of who we are, to become someone new. We, ourselves, do not fast from something like some do, but we usually add something to bring our focus more on what Jesus did for us. This year we are adding Lutheran Church of Hope's daily Lenten podcast with Pastor Mike Householder.
The "r" words that have been swirling around in my head showed themselves long before this day. God just kept bringing them up over and over.......I am paying attention as we walk into this season of our faith journey. As we hear the words, "ashes to ashes" and feel the gritty substance on our foreheads, as we heed the desire for repentance and renewal in our hearts we are grateful. Grateful for the sacrifice. Aware of the need to be on bended knee. This is how Ash Wednesday begins. Whether it is with "r" words, or sacrifice, subtracting or adding....we are asking Holy to walk through this Lenten season with us all, lighting and enlightening our journey as only He can.
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