Today is Ash Wednesday. I am not prepared for my cleansing. I've plunged head first into this journey pulled down by the demands of living beyond God's intentions for me. So though I am not prepared, I am grateful that today I mark the journey. Today as my forehead is sealed in ash I will be released from my own demands on my life and begin the process of welcoming God again into a life eager for grace and mercy.
Can we ever prepare for cleansing? What does that look like? For me it was the total disregard for the upcoming season as far as my personal involvement. Sure I had purchased reflection materials, but personalizing the journey was not considered until late last night. That's why I'm glad we have the Lenten Season. It forces me to stop spinning, to stop the rollercoaster.
Today I will be marked for the Journey. I was not prepared. Now I am. Grateful for this opportunity to refresh my spirit, I gladly allow ash to mark me for the world to see, to remind me that no matter what I intend, if it is not in and though God it is useless.
